New development requires roads, public safety infrastructure, utilities, facilities and other investments that allow communities to function.
The Desert Valleys Builders Association understands that.
The question is not whether legitimate costs exist.
The question is how those costs are calculated, allocated and implemented.
That distinction is central to DVBA’s government-affairs work.
When development fees increase, the consequences can extend beyond the line item appearing on a fee schedule. Costs can affect financing, project feasibility, carrying expenses and ultimately the economics of delivering housing or commercial development.
That is why the underlying methodology matters.
A publicly documented example occurred in Cathedral City in 2023. DVBA reported reviewing proposed changes involving land-use and regulatory fees as well as a development-impact fee study. DVBA contested aspects of the proposals and raised questions concerning how certain costs were allocated between new development and the existing community.
Whether one agrees with every position DVBA takes is not the larger point.
The important question is whether somebody is actually reading the studies, examining the assumptions and participating in the process on behalf of the building industry.
DVBA does that work.
In fact, the National Association of Home Builders recognized DVBA’s Tri Annual Comprehensive Fee Study Report with a 2023 Association Excellence Award for Best Service to Members among associations of its size.
That recognition illustrates an important difference between advocacy and opposition.
Responsible advocacy does not begin with a predetermined answer.
It begins with questions.
What is the purpose of the fee?
What service or improvement does it fund?
How was the amount calculated?
Who benefits from the improvement?
What portion is reasonably attributable to new development?
What does the applicable law require?
And what will the practical effect be on future projects?
When those questions produce a reasonable answer, the industry can understand the justification.
When they do not, somebody should be willing to ask more questions.
That is one of the responsibilities DVBA accepts on behalf of the regional building industry.
Good communities need functioning government and a healthy development industry. Effective policy should allow both to succeed.