Podcast: NAHB Puts a Spotlight on Housing in the Media and on the Hill
On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are on the road as they discuss housing and economics with key press outlets in New York City. Media are eager to hear what NAHB members are seeing in the housing market. Topics of note include the latest release of the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), as well as the challenges in the housing market, such as high mortgage rates, housing affordability and shortage of skilled workers.
NAHB is getting the message out to legislators as well, as first Vice Chairman Carl Harris and Second Vice Chair Buddy Hughes headed to Capitol Hill this week to urge congressional leaders to address the challenges facing home builders.
NAHB continues to gear up for the International Builders’ Show, taking place Feb. 27-29 in Las Vegas — less than two weeks away.
Listen to the latest episode below and subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider.
Latest from NAHBNow
Land Development | Advocacy
Aug 14, 2026
Key Land-Use and Zoning Provisions in Landmark Housing Law
The newly enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop voluntary federal guidelines for state and local zoning best practices. Although not mandatory, the guidelines will help shape how communities are evaluated for federal grants and give states a model for developing their own enabling legislation.
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Construction Employment Rises Amid a Cooling Labor Market
The overall labor market continued to lose momentum in July, with nonfarm payrolls falling by 23,000 and previous job gains revised sharply lower.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Building Material Prices Show Growth In July
Residential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.4% in July and were up 5.0% from a year ago. Energy prices fell again in July but remained significantly higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, prices for services were down 0.3% over the month but were 6.2% higher than a year ago.
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Homeownership Rate Edges Down to 65%
The latest homeownership rate declined to 65% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). The homeownership rate was unchanged from a year ago, and not statistically different than the rate in the first quarter of the year (65.3%).
Economics
Aug 12, 2026
Inflation Eased Slightly in July
Led by declines in gasoline and diesel prices, inflation eased for the second consecutive month after reaching a three-year high in May. As energy prices moderated, shelter resumed its role as the largest driver of headline inflation, accounting for one-third of the annual increase and over two-thirds of the monthly increase.