Housing's be-careful-what-you-wish-for moment is here and now.

Besieged by affordability and access challenge results of decades of under building, housing's growing crisis is – as it has seldom been – a top campaign priority for two presidential nominees.

America’s gaping shortage of affordable housing has rocketed to the top of voter worry lists and to the forefront of campaign promises, as both the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, and the Republican candidate, Donald J. Trump, promise to fix the problem if they are elected.

Their two visions of how to solve America’s affordable housing shortage have little in common, and Ms. Harris’s plan is far more detailed. But they do share one quality: Both have drawn skepticism from outside economists." – New York Times [gift link]

The skepticism stems from those economists' belief that while one set of initiatives would unnecessarily and disastrously stoke housing demand, the other would irreparably and catastrophically choke housing supply.

One way or another, housing's affordability crisis has secured a rare spot in the respective campaigns' talk-track. Here's what neither plan appreciates nor can make any headway without:

• Constantly improving high-performance among homebuilders
• Constantly evolving trust-based effectiveness with local and regional stakeholders.

Without one, there's no meeting demand. Without the other, there's no expanding supply. Policy or not. As policy debates heat up, one thing is clear: the future of housing depends on the industry’s ability to innovate, adapt, and forge stronger ties with the communities they serve. As Deborah Flagan, Vice President of Community Engagement & Giving at Hayden Homes, wisely observes:

Staying power for builders today and tomorrow will come to those who not only invest resources wisely and operate well but who create and deepen ties to communities within their operating spheres — human ties," says Deborah Flagan, Vice President of Community Engagement & Giving at Hayden Homes.

This insight underscores why we are thrilled to feature Deborah as one of the honored speakers at our upcoming Focus On Excellence leaders summit and workshop.

Learn more.

Set for October 28-30, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Austin, TX, the Focus On Excellence summit is shaping up to be among the most impactful gatherings for U.S. homebuilding leaders this year. Co-hosted by The Builder's Daily and Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, this summit is designed to provide strategic leaders with the insights, tools, and connections to future-proof their organizations and work with rising stars to build resilient high-performance teams.

The significance of this event is reflected in the roster of companies whose leaders have already committed to attending. These include Akel Homes, AMH Homes, Ashton Woods, Bloomfield Homes, Cascade Homes, City Ventures, LLC, Drees Homes, Davidson Homes, Eastwood Homes, Grand Oak Builders, Greenwood Homes, Hart Homes, Holiday Builders, Landsea Homes, National Home Corporation, Oakwood Homes, Olivia Clark Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Scott Communities, Smith Douglas Homes, Tim O'Brien Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, Trinity Family Builders, United Homes Group, and West Homes. These industry leaders recognize that the challenges and opportunities in homebuilding today demand new levels of collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Why Focus On Excellence Matters

As Deborah Flagan emphasizes, the homebuilding industry is ripe for innovation and progress.

We hear much about the lack of innovation in the homebuilding space over the last century," she notes. "The basic need for more housing combined with the time it takes to entitle, develop, and construct shelter affordably makes this a complicated issue that is ripe for innovation, technological advancement, and progress. Builders who can come together and learn to innovate are leaning into creating a more streamlined process to get housing built more quickly."

The Evolving Role of Community Engagement:

Given the pressing need for innovation in the industry, it’s equally critical that builders refine their approach to community engagement — a key competency that, as Deborah Flagan’s experience shows, can make or break development projects. Flagan’s leadership at Hayden Homes offers a model for how builders can excel in this area. As highlighted in a recent analysis, Hayden Homes has set itself apart not just through its building projects but through its deep commitment to community engagement. This approach has proven essential in navigating often contentious relationships with localities, zoning boards, and neighborhood groups that can make or break development projects.

Agenda and Key Speakers:

The summit will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers, including industry stalwart Adrian Foley, President, and CEO of Brookfield Residential Properties. Foley’s participation underscores the summit's commitment to high-impact leadership development. His peers regard him as a visionary who combines a deep understanding of the enduring value people place on their homes with a forward-thinking approach to navigating the constant changes in the marketplace.

In addition to Foley, the summit will host thought leaders like CNN senior political analyst Ron Brownstein and best-selling author Cara Brookins. Their insights into the political, economic, and motivational landscapes will provide participants with critical context as they prepare to lead their organizations through the uncertainties of the coming years.

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders:

Flagan emphasizes the critical importance of nurturing next-generation talent in the homebuilding industry.

Developing our talent pool is vital to sustaining long-term success," she says. "As the industry evolves with new technologies, materials, and methods, next-generation talent brings fresh perspectives and innovation to help builders stay ahead of the curve."

At the Focus On Excellence summit, this theme will be explored in depth through hands-on workshops. Experienced leaders will work side by side with rising stars, ensuring that the knowledge, values, and strategies that have driven their companies' success are passed down and built upon.

Next generation rising stars are future leaders," Flagan adds. "We need to invest in succession planning, ensuring continuity and ongoing vitality within our organizations."

Complex Forces Reshaping the Industry

The homebuilding industry is at a crossroads, shaped by shifting consumer demographics, rapid tech adoption, and the rise of AI. These forces are not just changing the way homes are built — they're revolutionizing the entire process, from land acquisition to customer service. Leaders who understand how to leverage AI for data-driven decision-making, project management, and customer engagement will be the ones who thrive in this new landscape. According to Flagan, understanding these forces is not just important – it's essential for any leader aiming to stay competitive.

With rapidly shifting consumer household demographics, business leaders must adapt to the changing needs and preferences of diverse customer bases," Flagan explains. "Failing to recognize these shifts can result in missed opportunities and loss of market share."

Moreover, the increasing role of technology and AI is revolutionizing how homebuilders operate.

AI is not just a future trend; it's a present reality reshaping industries across the board," says Flagan. "Leaders who grasp the power of data-driven decision-making and AI-driven tools can better optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation."

Community Engagement X Factor

A cornerstone of Hayden Homes' success has been its deep commitment to community engagement, exemplified by its involvement in projects like Oasis Village in Redmond, Oregon. This project, which provided transitional housing for the homeless, illustrates how homebuilders can play a pivotal role in addressing critical societal issues through collaboration with local governments and community organizations.

Without Hayden Homes, Oasis Village really wouldn't exist today," says Bob Bohac, chairman of the Oasis Village board. "Their willingness to step up was truly an answer to a prayer."

Flagan's oversight of the project demonstrated the power of aligning a company’s core values with community needs, proving that effective engagement can lead to transformative outcomes.

Perfect Time to Convene

As the industry faces these complex challenges, Flagan believes the timing of the Focus On Excellence summit couldn't be better.

This is the perfect time to convene," she asserts. "With housing elevated to a national focus due to the lack of affordability and lack of available inventory, we have an opportunity for our industry to lead."

On the eve of one of the most consequential Presidential elections in recent memory, the summit will provide homebuilding leaders with a clearer sense of the dynamics that will shape the end of 2024 and the next several years.

The non-partisan issue of housing affects us all, and we have incredibly smart, innovative companies that can lead the way to address, streamline and build across the country," Flagan concludes.

Act Now

For every medium and large homebuilding company president or CEO, the Focus On Excellence summit represents an unparalleled opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights and form critical connections. With limited attendance available, don’t miss your chance to be among the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders. Register today to secure your place and help shape the future of homebuilding.

Thanks to the support of our valued partners — Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, audience town, Boise Cascade, Builder Advisor Group, New Home Star, and Westwood Insurance Agency — this summit will provide an unmatched platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation.