NAHB Launches Podcast Hosted by CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin
This post has been updated.
NAHB today launched Housing Developments, a new podcast co-hosted by CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin, who will provide expert analysis on the latest news in the housing industry and inside NAHB. The show will also feature special guests who will share inside knowledge and unique perspectives on key issues impacting the industry.
In the the first episode, Howard and Tobin recap the International Builders' Show – including speeches given by HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and congressional leaders – and discuss the state of Washington politics leading up to the 2020 election. Listen to the podcast here or at nahb.org/podcast.
Latest from NAHBNow
NAHB has promoted Alison Benson, CPA, to chief financial officer and treasurer. Benson brings more than two decades of accounting, financial planning and nonprofit financial management experience to the role. She joined NAHB in February 2026 as vice president, controller, and also served as interim treasurer.
Hone your management skills in an upcoming Nov. 12 live online course titled “Project Controls Fundamentals: Monitoring Scope, Cost and Time” from 1-4 p.m. ET.
Latest Economic News
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.
The latest homeownership rate reached 65.5% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). While this was a modest quarterly decrease, the broader picture continues to reflect significant affordability challenges.