Advocacy remains one of the most important benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire, and this spring, HBASE delegates traveled to Washington, D.C., to ensure the voice of our industry was heard on issues impacting housing affordability, workforce development, regulatory reform, and homeownership opportunities.
Representing HBASE at the 2026 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Spring Leadership Meetings were Peter Ronning, Cory Hjellming, Preston Mettler, and Jordan Hefner. Joining them were Dean Hedrick, Daene Boomsma, Tyler Tribby, and Thomas Coronato of the Black Hills Home Builders Association, along with Aaron Hansen of the Watertown Area Home Builders Association. Together, these delegates represented communities from across South Dakota while speaking with one voice on the issues that matter most to housing and homeownership.
Held annually in Washington, D.C., the Spring Leadership Meetings bring together builders, remodelers, associates, and housing advocates from across the country to discuss industry priorities, receive updates on emerging issues, and engage directly with lawmakers and federal agencies on policies affecting housing.
One of the most impactful parts of the week was NAHB’s Legislative Conference. More than 1,100 NAHB members participated in over 300 meetings with members of Congress, advocating for solutions that support housing affordability, increase housing supply, address workforce challenges, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
The South Dakota delegation met directly with Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, and Congressman Dusty Johnson to discuss several key issues impacting builders, homebuyers, and housing affordability.
Among the priorities discussed was the advancement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a landmark housing package designed to expand housing opportunities and increase housing supply. Delegates also advocated for workforce development initiatives, including the CONSTRUCTS Act, which would help prepare young adults for rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Additional discussions focused on permitting reform and regulatory certainty, including efforts to streamline the permitting process under the Clean Water Act while maintaining important environmental protections. Delegates also supported the Energy Choice Act, legislation that would preserve consumer choice by preventing state and local governments from banning natural gas and propane in new homes.
One of the most encouraging developments discussed during the meetings was the continued progress of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant federal housing legislation since the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act was enacted in 1990. The legislation is designed to strengthen homeownership, improve housing affordability, increase housing production, and remove barriers that make it harder for families to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
The bill has gained significant momentum in recent weeks. Following action by the House of Representatives earlier this year, the Senate approved a revised version of the legislation, and the House is expected to take final action shortly. The continued advancement of the bill represents a major step forward for housing policy and reflects years of advocacy by NAHB, state and local home builder associations, and industry leaders across the country.
Among its key provisions are updates to multifamily loan limits, incentives for housing construction, clarification of energy code implementation on federally backed mortgages, and the removal of a proposed mandate that would have forced large institutional investors to sell single-family rental homes after seven years. NAHB strongly opposed that provision, warning it could significantly reduce housing production nationwide. Thanks in part to the advocacy efforts of housing industry leaders from across the country, including South Dakota delegates, the requirement was removed before the legislation advanced.
The progress of the ROAD to Housing Act represents a significant win for housing, homeownership, and communities nationwide. More importantly, it demonstrates that advocacy works. When builders, associates, and industry professionals engage in the process and speak with a unified voice, policymakers gain a better understanding of the challenges facing housing and the importance of creating policies that support affordability, housing supply, workforce development, and homeownership opportunities.
Throughout the week, delegates also heard directly from leaders representing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). A common theme emerged across these discussions: reducing regulatory barriers, streamlining permitting processes, and identifying ways to lower the overall cost of housing while supporting responsible growth.
Economic and market conditions were also front and center. NAHB Chief Economist Rob Dietz provided an outlook on interest rates, construction costs, labor availability, and housing demand. While the industry continues to face challenges related to workforce shortages, material costs, and affordability concerns, the Midwest housing market continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term opportunity.
While the information shared during the meetings is valuable, the greatest benefit is the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our members. Decisions made in Washington often have a direct impact on housing affordability, workforce development, permitting, financing, and construction costs here at home. By maintaining a presence at the national level, HBASE helps ensure that the realities facing our members remain part of the conversation.
Through advocacy, engagement, and leadership, HBASE remains committed to protecting and advancing the interests of our members while helping create opportunities for continued growth throughout the Sioux Empire.
