Housing is built locally. Many of the decisions that determine whether a home gets built happen in county buildings, township halls, planning commissions and building departments. That is why HBAM launched a local advocacy pilot program to identify local challenges, connect builders with decision-makers and turn those relationships into action.

We recently saw that approach at work in Eaton County.

After gathering builder experiences and reviewing local practices, HBA of Greater Lansing CEO Cindy Kosloski and I met with Eaton County Building Official Chris Garrison and Building Inspector Chris Griffith to discuss fees, valuation, department finances, workforce challenges and builder experiences.

Eaton County's newly approved fee schedule represents significant progress. It lowers fees across numerous categories — with several individual fees reduced by more than 50% and some by nearly 70% — while moving toward more predictable flat fees and less reliance on valuation for residential construction.

Just as important is the partnership behind the result. Eaton officials were willing to listen, have candid conversations and make changes that better serve builders, homeowners and their community. The county also plans to review fees annually and include builders and HBAM in future discussions.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and usually costs far less than litigation. Precedent-setting victories like HBAM's Troy case also help us educate communities about lawful, practical building policies while working toward solutions that reflect local needs.

Local advocacy in action is bringing firsthand experiences and facts to the table, building relationships, and working together on solutions.

Members and local HBAs make that possible. Attend a town hall. Invite an official to an HBA meeting. Get to know your local building, planning and zoning officials, and share what is and isn’t working.

If you are experiencing a local permitting, zoning, fee, inspection or other building issue, submit it through our Builder Issue Reporting Form and contact Ariana Dawes at ariana@hbaofmichigan.com. Your experience may be the starting point for the next local solution.