Podcast: A Tale of Two (Very Hot) Cities

Economics
Published

In the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, co-hosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez discuss several topics that are divided into the best of times and the worst of times: the economy, Job Corps funding and regulations. Tune in to hear about how new home sales are up in the face of historically-high Fed rates, Congress’ division over appropriations and NAHB’s stance on the Biden administration’s “junk fees” characterization in home building.

The co-hosts also provide information on resources for keeping crews safe while on the job site during this heat wave.

Listen to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast app or watch this episode below.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Membership | Awards

Apr 16, 2026

HBAs Celebrated for Member Growth and Retention with Grand Awards

The latest Grand Awards winners include 22 local associations and 10 state associations.

Membership

Apr 15, 2026

NAHB Mourns the Passing of Former Wichita Area BA President and CEO Wess Galyon

Wesley “Wess” Galyon, who served as president and CEO of the Wichita Area Builders Association for forty years, passed away.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Apr 16, 2026

Young Adults Report More Interest in the Construction Trades: 2026 Survey

NAHB estimates the U.S. has a structural housing deficit of 1.2 million units. Among the myriad of headwinds home builders face trying to close that gap is the industry’s chronic shortage of workers in the construction trades.

Economics

Apr 15, 2026

Builder Sentiment Posts Notable Decline on Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and interest rates resulted in a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing market enters into the heart of the spring buying season.

Economics

Apr 14, 2026

Higher Energy Prices Increase Residential Construction Costs

Energy input prices increased in March at their fastest pace since June of 2020 as the conflict in Iran shocked critical global supply chains. Building material prices, excluding energy, rose for the eleventh straight month. Price growth for trade services slowed while transportation and warehousing price growth accelerated.