The State Affairs Newsletter
NAHB Chairman of the Board Buddy Hughes, New Mexico HBA EO Miles Conway, and Western Region AVP Jeff Pemstein, attend the Western Governors’ Association meeting in Santa Fe, N.M.
Former NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde and the NAHB staff attend the 2025 YIMBYTOWN conference in New Haven, Conn.
L to R: Bailey Thompson, Greg Ugalde, Pete Harrison the Connecticut Director for the Regional Plan Association, Nick Julian and Lily Weatherby.
NAHB Summer Interns, Nancy Philip, Eliza Rahmikhudoeva, and Andrea Mendoza, visit the US Capitol.
Welcome to the Latest Edition of the State Affairs
We are delighted that you are taking the time to learn about what is happening around the country. As the season turns, we hope you can enjoy some fall foliage, and that your alma mater wins some football games.
This summer has been busy for the NAHB State and Local team with meetings with elected officials, a tremendous time at the Association Management Conference meetings in Atlanta (that anniversary party band was awesome!), and the chance to help many associations with the unending list of battles.
To read more from Karl Eckhart, VP State & Local Government Affairs, about the summer highlights, new partnerships and resources, view the latest issue.
New State and Local Resources Available
The Skilled Labor Shortage and America’s Housing Crisis Study
The study, commissioned by HBI and conducted by the University of Denver, can be used to present concrete data to the public and elected officials, demonstrating the challenges faced by the residential construction industry. View the study.
NAHB's Housing Favorability Assessment tool
The assessment is designed to find the strengths and weaknesses of a single locality. Learn how your region compares to others and work with the NAHB state and local team to develop a targeted advocacy strategy. Learn more.
Model Legislation Available, More Coming Soon
A working group comprised of EOs is tasked with identifying, analyzing, and drafting model legislation that will have the most significant impact on the industry. Final language will be available for HBAs to use by the end of the year. View the current model legislation available.
State Advocacy Updates
For the first time in the state, California passed legislation through its 2025-2026 state budget bill, which includes a six-year pause on adopting or amending new home building codes. Read more.
Taking effect on Sept.1, 2025, a new Texas law will reduce minimum lot sizes for residential construction and promote building smaller homes, effectively boosting starter home construction in the state. Read more.
A new West Virginia law created a One-Stop Shop Permit Program designed to streamline the construction process for infrastructure projects. Read more.
- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek launched the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO). Read more.
- A large coalition, including the HBA of Delaware, released a report outlining strategies to increase the production of affordable rental units and homes in the state. Read more.
- The executive order from Vermont Governor Scott addresses energy code flexibility, wetlands streamlining, expedited permitting and fee relief. Read more.
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey released draft regulations that would speed up housing development in the state. Read more.
