Public Opinion and Elections

Builders must provide evidence-based solutions in discussions about housing issues and barriers to affordability with lawmakers. To make a case for sound housing policy, HBAs often utilize polling data from local voters to combat anti-housing policy proposals. NAHB’s State and Local Issues Fund (SLIF) assists local and state HBAs by providing funding for public opinion polling, tactics to defeat ballot measures and other strategies related to elections.

Evergreen Campaign Institute

MBA of King & Snohomish Counties (Bellevue, Wash.)

Home builders of King & Snohomish Counties believe that it is important for the association to get involved politically and train the next generation of elected officials to ensure the longevity of pro-housing and pro-business values. The MBA plans to invest in Evergreen Campaign Institute, a one-day seminar focused on government and political leadership development to achieve these goals. The MBA intends to recruit and educate potential candidates on pro-housing policies. In addition to housing issues, the campaign will provide participants with best practices for running a successful campaign.  

Estimate project cost: $50,000

SLIF funding request: $20,000

Affordability in Central Ohio: Analysis of Residential Demand 

BIA of Central Ohio (Columbus, Ohio)

The BIA commissioned a study to measure residential demand and the housing affordability gap. The study results will assist decision-makers, stakeholders and community members by providing them data that can guide public policy decisions related to housing.

Estimated project cost: $60,000 

SLIF funding request: $20,000 

Residential Choice Research Project 

HBA of Metropolitan Portland (Ore.)

The HBA of Metropolitan Portland is funding research into housing preferences for the Metro Regional Government’s Urban Growth Report. The survey will ask respondents to choose housing types, locations with different commute times, costs, neighborhoods, sizes and transportation options. The HBA hopes that the study will provide statistics to policy makers and greater insight into understanding the economic ramifications of smart growth in land use, transportation and consumer choice. 

Estimated project cost: $65,000 

SLIF funding request: $20,000 

Regional Polling

North State BIA (Roseville, Calif.)

The BIA conducted a poll which found that 70% of residents believed that their children would not be able to buy a home in the region, a majority (70%) of residents opposed the proposed toll lanes on local highways, four times as many people prefer to telework from their home rather than take transit, and by a two to one margin, more people prefer a larger home in the suburbs than a smaller home closer to transit. The NSBIA would like to conduct this poll annually and hire a media expert to help lobby efforts and gauge important topics ahead of elections.

Estimated project cost: $35,000

Funding request: $20,000

Pro-Growth Campaign

North Idaho Building Contractors Association (Coeur d Alene, Idaho)

Builders in north Idaho are strategizing against “Not in My Backyard” pushback. The goal is to run a pro-growth campaign to articulate the opportunities housing development brings through various communication channels, including the BCA website and social media. The association also plans to conduct impact studies.

Estimated project cost: $40,400 

Funding request: $20,000 

Home Builders Public Relations Campaign

Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake (N.C.)

In the wake of local growth, home builders in the Raleigh-Wake community are noticing neighborhood groups forming against growth and development. In response, builders want to invest in a public relations campaign targeted to community and local lawmakers to ensure the building continues. The campaign includes media outreach, social media, creative development, and receptions and events targeting government officials.

Estimate project cost: $148,000

Funding request: $20,000 

Public Relations Campaign

Nevada Home Builders

Home builders in Nevada are developing a public relations campaign to increase awareness about the value and benefits of residential construction. The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions about the industry in the community. In addition, the HBA plans to strengthen relationships with policymakers and state agencies. SLIF funding will support campaign tactics such as media relations, social media and community relations efforts.

Estimated project cost: $25,000

Funding request: $20,000