Podcast: 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes Discusses Priorities for His Term

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, who shares what he’s hearing from NAHB members and his plans for the Federation this year.

“Everybody is so positive about the building industry, NAHB, and their state and local association,” Hughes observed. “It’s a good time to be involved right now.”

This could be felt throughout the recent 2025 International Builders’ Show (IBS), which boasted its largest show in 17 years, and provides good momentum heading into the 2026 IBS in Orlando.

The year ahead also provides a good opportunity to tackle key industry issues, including addressing building codes and regulatory burdens, as housing affordability remains a topic of interest across the nation.

“We’re being hammered about the cost of housing — and, of course, we take the blame,” Hughes stated. “We know how we can get cost of housing down is to reduce this regulatory burden. So that’s at the top of my list.”

“There’s no silver bullet, no magic, that’s going to bring the cost of housing down,” he added, “but there are a lot of little things. And we’ve got to work on it.

Builders are also gearing up to keep the market going as they await the decision on proposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods that may go into effect April 2. NAHB is actively engaged in conversation with the White House and Congress on this issue.

Hughes will also be testifying next week before the House Small Business Committee on the challenges of regulations on small businesses.

Listen to the full episode of the podcast below and subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider, or watch all the episodes on YouTube.