The Missouri House of Representatives passed House Bill 2393 by a 138-14 vote on Wednesday. This bill would provide $240 million in tax credits for a proposed Bombardier plant. The proposed plant would cost an estimated $375 million and add 2,100 jobs in the KCI area. The House vote came six days after the Senate passed a bill that scaled down an incentive plan that would have provided as much as $880 million in tax credits. HBA members were active in lobbying Missouri legislators on this important economic development bill for the KC Metro area. The bill now goes to Gov. Blunt for his signature, which is expected in the days ahead. For more information, contact Phil Perry at (816) 733-2235.

Leawood is considering changes to its development ordinance that would limit the height of residential buildings. The proposed changes could greatly limit the types and styles of homes being built in Leawood, especially in the case of a teardown and re-build. The HBA is in need of builders and design professionals to review the draft ordinance. The City Council hearing on the ordinance is set for 6 p.m. May 13 at City Hall. Leawood will also hold a builders meeting at 2 p.m. May 14 to discuss other issues impacting the city and industry. For more information, contact Dave Holtwick at (816) 733-2211.

Olathe will hold a meeting at 3 p.m. May 15 at City Hall to update builders on the status of the 2006 code adoption process and other important city issues. For more information, contact Dave Holtwick at (816) 733-2211.