As the 2024 “race for the White House” reaches its final weeks, the question of housing affordability — an urgent pain point for millions of Americans — has emerged as a lightning rod voter issue and a defining campaign priority.

With this backdrop, The Builder’s Daily is thrilled that renowned political analyst and journalist Ron Brownstein will headline the keynote session at our upcoming Focus On Excellence leadership summit and Build Smarter conference, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Austin, TX, from October 28-30, 2024.

Three seats remain: Register here.

Part Journalist, Part Historian, All Shrewd Political Observer

Ron Brownstein is uniquely qualified to dissect the intersection of politics, economics, and housing. As a senior editor for The Atlantic, contributing editor for National Journal, and senior political analyst for CNN, Brownstein’s sharp analysis of politics, policy, and the electorate reflects his deep understanding of American political and national history. Twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Brownstein was recognized for “the clarity, consistency, and quality of his political reporting.”

Described by The Economist as “one of America’s best political journalists,” Brownstein has also been called “an exemplar of a better way” by The Washington Post for his focus on long-term political patterns over daily headlines. With seven books to his name — including Rock Me on the Water and The Second Civil War: How Extreme Partisanship Has Paralyzed Washington and Polarized America—and numerous contributions to leading publications, Brownstein is a trusted voice in American political discourse. Former President Bill Clinton once cited him as “the one journalist who generally gets it right,” a testament to Brownstein’s sharp insights and ability to explain the critical issues shaping the nation.

What to Expect from Ron’s Keynote Address

Brownstein’s keynote address on Wednesday, October 30, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., promises to bring his unmatched analytical prowess to an audience of over 450 homebuilding executives. During a 30-minute prep call, Ron outlined the essential themes that will shape his presentation, providing valuable insights into both the election’s trajectory and the issues directly impacting the homebuilding sector. Here’s a preview of what he’ll cover:

• Housing Affordability as a Political Flashpoint: With housing costs continuing to soar, affordability has become central to the 2024 presidential campaign, drawing unprecedented attention. As Brownstein notes, "This is easily the most discussed election when it comes to housing affordability —more so than any I've covered since 1984." He’ll break down how both presidential candidates are approaching the issue, exploring the broader economic and political stakes as voters grapple with an affordability crisis that affects both homebuyers and renters. The question, Brownstein argues, is not just what policies are on offer, but "how much macro-level disruptions—like tariffs or mass deportation—could dramatically reshape the affordability landscape.”
• The Role of Economic Forces in the 2024 Election: Brownstein will offer an in-depth look at macroeconomic trends, including interest rates, inflation, and borrowing costs, all of which have profound implications for the housing market. Reflecting on his discussions about tariffs and their impact with Wall Street analysts, he noted, "Every analysis suggests that we're heading toward more risk of inflation, and possibly, more Fed rate hikes." Brownstein will examine how these economic factors could be influenced by the election’s outcome and what that means for homebuilders navigating an unpredictable market.
• Immigration Policy and the Skilled Labor Shortage: One of the most pressing concerns for homebuilders is the skilled labor shortage. Brownstein highlighted that “an estimated 15% of construction workers are undocumented,” making immigration policy a critical issue. He pointed out that mass deportation policies could dramatically exacerbate the labor shortfall, while tighter immigration restrictions under a new administration might add further pressure. “You’re talking about losing a significant portion of your workforce. And it’s not like the native-born workforce is expanding to fill that gap.”
• Tariffs and Supply Chain Uncertainty: Trade policies, particularly tariffs on Canadian lumber and other imported materials, will also be a major focus of the keynote. Brownstein emphasized how tariffs directly impact homebuilders' bottom lines, not just by raising costs, but by "introducing quality issues that lead to warranty and margin erosion over time." His discussion will explore the potential shifts in trade policy depending on the election’s outcome, and how homebuilders can brace for further disruptions in material sourcing.
• Climate Change and the Insurance Crisis: With hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events becoming more frequent, Brownstein will address the intersection of climate change and the insurance crisis that is hitting homebuilders in vulnerable areas like Florida and California. “We’re seeing two once-in-a-century events happening in the same month,” he remarked, underscoring the unprecedented challenges builders face. Brownstein will explore how climate risks are reshaping the housing market, and what that means for builders and developers dealing with skyrocketing insurance premiums and evolving regulations.
• The Strategic Imperative for Homebuilders: Beyond these political and economic issues, Brownstein will argue that housing affordability is a critical business issue for the homebuilding industry. “Housing is now at the center of so many policy discussions — from interest rates to immigration to climate change — and homebuilders have to stay ahead of these trends if they want to remain competitive,” he explained. His address will challenge business leaders to engage with these evolving dynamics to build a more resilient and future-ready business strategy.

This keynote is part of the broader Focus On Excellence and Build Smarter agenda, which brings together homebuilding executives to sharpen their strategic focus on key business imperatives like operations excellence, talent retention, and innovation in home design and construction. Ron’s insights will serve as a beacon of clarity as these leaders confront today's most pressing challenges.

With only a handful of tickets left for this exclusive event, we encourage homebuilding CEOs, presidents, and key decision-makers to secure their spot at the Focus On Excellence event now. Supported by partners like Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, Boise Cascade, Builder Advisor Group, New Home Star, and Westwood Insurance Agency, Focus On Excellence is the must-attend event for homebuilding’s forward-thinking executives.