In good times and bad, NAHB works hard to deliver value to its members. This challenging time of COVID-19 is no exception, as the association has moved to minimize disruption to the housing industry and to members’ businesses.
NAHB was at the forefront of all housing groups in calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate single-family and multifamily construction as an “essential infrastructure business.” This designation enabled many builders to continue working under stay-at-home orders. The DHS made this designation in late March, relatively early in the pandemic, which allowed the residential construction industry to stay on the job, even as much of the nation remained in shutdown mode.
Similarly, NAHB’s staff and leadership worked to inform members about key provisions in the CARES Act and other economic stimulus packages that might benefit or affect them. NAHB’s legal team took action to expand builder eligibility for forgivable small business loans. Our government affairs staff urged lawmakers to include housing priorities in any new coronavirus-related legislative packages. And we provided timely updates on how to ensure the safety of construction workers on the jobsite.
Dedication and sense of purpose on behalf of members are hallmarks of NAHB. This dedication has been evident throughout the current crisis, but it is not new. Just as before COVID-19, our five pillars of membership—advocacy, expertise, networking, knowledge, and savings—form the foundation to help you strengthen your future.
As we focus on the COVID-induced economic disruption, our staff is keeping track of the housing industry’s hurdles, such as outdated land use rules and burdensome regulations that drive up the cost of housing. Our advocacy efforts provide a typical home builder thousands of dollars’ worth of regulatory relief in an ordinary year.
The staff expertise at NAHB includes top economists, tax specialists, attorneys, financial experts, and regulatory and technical specialists whose research, analysis, and outreach advance the membership’s agenda.
The network of 140,000 members helps address common challenges by sharing insights and ideas that are priceless in today’s economic climate. Fellow members are potential partners, customers, and suppliers who can help grow your business or catapult your career.
Knowledge gained through NAHB’s educational resources is another key benefit of membership. These resources include online courses, webinars, and BuilderBooks, the association’s publishing arm and bookstore that showcases NAHB’s education and training products, software, and more.
Our five pillars—advocacy, expertise, networking, knowledge, and savings—will still be there when this crisis is over. And NAHB will still be working to help members build better homes and stronger businesses. We are proud to be serving the residential construction industry during this challenging time, and we are confident that housing will soon be leading a post-COVID economic rebound.
