BAC, Community Builders

On Tuesday, Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders, discussed how organizations like his are tackling the challenges of community housing, and how BAC can partner with them for mutual benefit. “You can’t have a decent life without good wages and a good job. But you need a decent place to live too,” Bart stressed. He pointed out that often people support affordable housing when it’s not next door to them. 

Bart discussed the 50% increase in affordable tax credits at the federal level and increase in Section 8 funding, as well as local zoning reforms to support affordable housing. He applauded BAC for the work the union has done, showing what beautiful housing looks like and how it can be built.

Continuing the topic of affordable housing, Randy Kinder, President of the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, spoke about the work of the Investment Trust Corporation and the Building Investment Trust to promote union construction.

After Mitchell’s presentation, the Convention delegates heard from the Committee on General Good about Resolution 33. The Resolution addresses the crisis in affordable housing in the United States and Canada, reaffirming BAC’s commitments to fight for a decent living wage for all workers and to support government officials, legislation, and programs that support the development and retention of affordable housing for both low- and moderate-income families.

The Resolution also calls on BAC to partner with IMI to promote the use of green and long-lasting masonry and tile in new affordable housing and calls on BAC’s affiliates to aid and support national and local affordable housing initiatives, including through the Bricklayers Non-Profit Housing Corporation. 

The Committees recommendation on the Resolution was adopted by the delegation.