Constructing affordable homes and keeping residents in California were some of the issues tackled at the Building Industry (Baldy View Chapter) Housing Policy Conference held the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario, Calif., on June 17.

"Right now we have low supply and high demand for housing in California," said Ali Sahabi, BIA Baldy View Chapter president. "This negative impact is affecting working families, who end up moving to neighboring states."

Sahabi said that based on median incomes and cost of housing, San Bernardino County has a 19.5 percent poverty rate. The ratio of new professional positions in the county to new homes built is 7 to 1. It's time to think of solutions to the lack of housing problem.

"We're on our way to tax reform with the climate and leadership there in the Congress," said Norma Torres, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 35th district. "We moderate Democrats got together with speaker of the House, Paul Ryan and have made some progress. If you are a homeowner, you will want to participate in your community."

Torres acknowledged that Southern California still has to deal with drought issues, while the northern part of the state has had some relief. She recommended getting funding to have groundwater cleaned up and the building of more storage facilities.

"There's so many opportunities for construction-related jobs out there," said Torres. "High school students need to be exposed to different trades. We need to get the parents involved as part of the mechanism for what needs to be funded."