NAHB Podcast: Jim Tobin Celebrates One Year as CEO
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, Jim Tobin reflects on his first year as CEO with COO Paul Lopez while on the road — this week, in Idaho, along with NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz and NAHB Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson.
“It’s been quite a ride,” Tobin shared. “It’s been interesting because I’m not a newbie to NAHB — I’ve been here for over 20 years — but in the new role, it’s been really fun. It’s been intensely gratifying for me to travel around the country and start moving the association forward.”
Bright spots have included the strategic plan and setting the direction for the Federation, and the renewed energy among the membership and NAHB staff following some of the pivotal changes from this past year. Membership and implement of the strategic plan will be continued focuses going forward, as well as advocacy efforts during an election year.
“Just these next few months politically and what we deal with at the national level from a policy and legislative perspective are really going to be important and really set us up or set us back for the next few years,” Tobin stated.
Listen the full episode below and subscribe to Housing Development through your favorite podcast provider or watch all the episodes on YouTube.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Oct 02, 2026
Stay on Message: Access NAHBs Latest Housing Talking Points
The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
Fall Leadership Meeting
Oct 02, 2026
Watch Livestreams of Key Fall Leadership Meetings
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 02, 2026
U.S. Economy Adds 29,000 Jobs in September as Prior Months Are Revised Down
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
Private Residential Construction Spending Posts Broad-Based Gains in August
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
AI Exposure Remains Relatively Low Across Most Construction Occupations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.