Podcast: NAHB Leaders, Members Report from Palm Springs
On the latest episode of Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez report from the Fall Leadership Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif., on the latest housing numbers and make predictions on the impending government shutdown.
They are also joined by two special guests: Heather Laminack from Fort Worth, Texas, and Edwin Williams from Johnson City, Tenn., who represent the NAHB Young Professionals and Associate members, respectively. Tune in to hear about how a software developer and a fourth-generation builder navigate today’s market and why NAHB membership is important to them.
Listen to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast app or through the player below.
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.