HBI Seeks Participants for Labor Shortage Study
The University of Denver, in collaboration with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Fannie Mae, is finalizing a pivotal research study on the impact of labor shortages on housing affordability.
To help inform the study, HBI is looking for builders to participate in this research project. HBI’s aim is to collect a minimum of 50 case studies from a diverse group of builders, including small (10-100 homes), medium (100-1,000 homes), and large (over 1,000 homes) builders. The University of Denver will finalize the study next week, which will include a 60-minute interview with the identified builders via Zoom.
Eligible respondents will receive free sponsorship acknowledgment at the HBI reception at the 2025 International Builders’ Show in February in Las Vegas and be acknowledged in the final report, which will be shared with all participants.
Your participation will provide invaluable insights and data, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this critical issue and help develop effective solutions that can transform the industry.
Please contact Paula Morris, HBI executive office manager, as soon as possible to participate.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Advocacy
Feb 05, 2026
3 Major Factors Limiting American Construction ProductivityA recent Goldman Sachs report explores why the U.S. construction industry has underproduced compared to other countries’ construction industries. Between 1970 and 2024, productivity in the U.S. construction industry fell 30% while overall labor productivity more than doubled.
Advocacy
Feb 05, 2026
NAHB’s Monthly Update Highlights Housing Priorities and Industry OutlookTo help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. See the current advocacy updates and more.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 05, 2026
Job Openings Fall as Labor Market WeakensRunning counter to the data for the full economy, the count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in December, per the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Economics
Feb 04, 2026
Mortgage Rates Declined Despite Higher Treasury YieldsLong-term mortgage rates continued to decline in January. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.10% last month, 9 basis points (bps) lower than December. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 4 bps to 5.44%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by 86 bps. The 15-year rate is also lower by 72 bps.
Economics
Feb 03, 2026
Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.7%The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.7% in the last quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). While this was a modest quarterly increase, the broader picture continues to reflect significant affordability challenges. With mortgage interest rates remaining elevated, and housing supply still tight, housing affordability is at a multidecade low.