The US housing recovery lost momentum in 2014 as homeownership rates continued to fall, single-family construction remained near historic lows, and existing home sales cooled. In contrast, the rental market remained a bright spot, fueled by strong growth in renter households. With rents rising and incomes well below pre-recession levels, though, the number of housing cost-burdened renters set another record, far surpassing public efforts to provide affordable housing. And despite the rebound in much of the nation, a number of minority and low-income neighborhoods remain severely distressed.

The group, chaired by Ken Gear, CEO of Leading Builders of America, will bring together voices from across the housing landscape to provide expertise and input for lawmakers and regulators as they formulate policies that impact housing.

“Policymakers often do not realize the full breadth and scope policies can have across the industry. Many policy decisions do not simply impact builders and homebuyers; they also directly affect suppliers and manufacturers across the country,” said Gear. “The CEOs of the nation’s biggest homebuilding companies believe that housing policy is better served when policymakers see the full impact of proposed laws and regulations. Our partner corporations who are the founding members of the BIPRT have incredible insight and expertise to bring to the table when it comes to a better understanding of the policies impacting the housing sector,” he added.

“Whirlpool Corporation has been at the forefront of the appliance industry for more than a century, and the housing industry is core to our success and the health of the overall economy,” said Bob Bergeth, GM of national contract sales for Whirlpool Corporation. “As a manufacturer of innovative products that are core to a new home, it is important that we help shape policy. We’re proud to be part of this group of leading builders and suppliers.”

The group, which is still in its formation stage, will be focused on addressing key areas impacting the industry’s health and growth today, including tax and housing finance policy, energy efficiency, construction technology, workforce training and labor availability. While the primary focus will be on federal activity, as the group evolves, they plan to work together where possible to identify and address issues impacting the industry at the state level.

Jenna Hamilton, former Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Association of Home Builders, will serve as Executive Director of the BIPRT. For questions or more information about the group, she can be reached at jennahamilton@biprt.org.