Truly transformative events are rare, but I feel confident in saying that 2016 was a watershed year for NAHB.
Confronted with increasingly serious impediments to conducting business efficiently, NAHB successfully added new arms to its advocacy arsenal and ensured that its voice will be heard going forward.
For the first time ever, NAHB endorsed candidates in a Congressional election. Adding endorsements is a responsibility NAHB took on for the sake of our businesses.
NAHB endorsed 137 candidates in 36 states, 94% of which won their races. Most were incumbents—both Republican and Democrat—with a track record of support and positive action on the issues that concern us most. NAHB also endorsed several challengers, again focusing on their commitment to housing.
NAHB’s long-time advocacy tool, BUILD-PAC, also had a great success rate. It supported a total of 356 candidates in the primary and general elections. Of the candidates that BUILD-PAC supported in the general election, 95% won their races.
It was gratifying that both presidential campaigns responded positively to NAHB’s request that either the candidate or a representative on their behalf speak at the association’s midyear meeting. No matter what your personal politics may be, such recognition from presidential candidates says that leaders in Washington, D.C., realize housing is important.
It’s impossible to say exactly which housing-related issues will move forward in the 115th Congress. Tax reform is likely to be a priority, and we may also see efforts to reform the housing finance system and rein in the regulatory overreach of federal agencies. What’s most important is that many members of Congress are committed to housing and that NAHB’s concerns will get a fair hearing. NAHB is well-positioned to advocate for housing on any of the issues Congress may address.
NAHB also has developed a strong foundation of successful regulatory and legal action. Building on that foundation, the association scored major successes in 2016, and will continue to pursue any necessary action to protect members’ interests.
NAHB strengthened its federation of 700 home builders associations in 2016. It also expanded its field representative program: 10 regional reps now visit HBAs every day with the goal to help the HBAs and their members thrive.
To further connect NAHB with its grassroots membership, the senior officer team visited HBAs in every state in 2016. During these trips, the team learned about members’ concerns and their markets, customers, and businesses. The team and I also learned what members expect from their national association, and we were reminded at every meeting that as builders, we are all in this together.
When I say we’re all in this together, that also extends to our families. I want to thank my family for their support during the past year and in earlier years when I was on NAHB’s senior officer leadership ladder. Likewise, I want to thank the senior officer team and the NAHB staff for their commitment to NAHB members and the industry. I also want to thank my company staff for their support and dedication.
These past four years have been extraordinary, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve NAHB in 2017 and beyond.
