Podcast: Member Activation on Important Building Code Legislation
In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez discuss an important bipartisan bill up for a vote in Congress that would give home builders and local governments flexibility in rebuilding after natural disasters. NAHB is encouraging members to contact their representatives and urge them to vote for the bill.
Jim and Paul also discuss the broader economy and the increasing likelihood of the Federal Reserve getting its “soft landing.” And on the heels of the winter Board of Directors meeting, the two talk about some recent changes at NAHB under a new strategic plan and organizational restructuring.
Subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider, watch the episodes on YouTube, or watch below.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Dec 10, 2025
NAHB Awards HBAs $60K to Support Advocacy EffortsThe NAHB State and Local Government Affairs Committee recently awarded several HBAs financial assistance through the State and Local Issues Fund.
Labor
Dec 09, 2025
Construction Labor Market StableThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry was relatively unchanged in October, per the 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.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Dec 09, 2025
Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in NovemberMortgage activity continued to climb in November, posting the largest year-over-year increase in more than five years. Every major category increased on a year-over-year basis as mortgage rates continue to trend lower, led by strong increases in refinancing and adjustable-rate mortgage activity.
Economics
Dec 08, 2025
Community Associations: A Growing Trend in 2024In 2024, 65.7% of all new single-family homes started were built within a community or homeowner’s association. This share increased from the 64.8% recorded in 2023, according to data tabulated from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Economics
Dec 05, 2025
Mortgage Rates Continue to Trend Lower in NovemberThe average mortgage rate in November continued to trend lower to its lowest level in over a year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.24% in November, 2 basis points (bps) lower than in October. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate increased 3 bps to 5.51%.