In these crazy construction times, I really appreciate our Associate members. How could we get by without them? When I first joined HBAL, the mantra was “do business with a member.” I might have heard it from the family since my uncle was an Associate and a founding member of HBAL. Actually, I believe a founding officer. I’m seeing a fundamental issue in material and labor supply to get a project done – and where would we be without our Associates. I wish the climate was more conducive to in-person meetings as it’s a great way to get to know them!

And that is a reminder for this year’s Family Fun Night at Sun Valley Lanes on August 5. The first 400 to sign up get the rule of the place.

I’m throwing a big thank you out to Taylor Wyatt. He recently resigned as the HBAL Government Affairs Director at which he did a great job. Through his leadership, HBAL has a great rapport with all the City Councilpersons as well as many of the city departments. Kudos. Taylor resigned to run for the northeast district City Council seat in the spring elections. This is a personal endorsement: Taylor would be great leadership for Lincoln. I’m supporting him and hope every other member will too even if you don’t live in his district. He knows how to address the lack of affordable and workforce housing and housing affordability across the board in the city.

Lincoln’s biennial budget is currently on the table. Pay attention. There are a couple of specific things in the budget: money for affordable housing and money for an affordable housing coordinator. Join me in supporting.

The Lincoln Chamber is starting some strategic planning for the “next big leap” which is planning for our next 15-20 years. The start of the process is a survey (www.surveymonkey.com/r/lincolnvitalitysurvey). It has several (at least three) questions on housing. Let there be no mistake. Housing is economic development. And no expansion of jobs in Lincoln makes sense without increasing all levels of housing in town. As Greg Schwinn (and Bob Peterson before him) used to say, “housing is where an employee spends the night.” Let’s each one of us be a part of the process. It is just good for our businesses.

So until next month,
Ward F. Hoppe