January 12, 2026 • View in browser

NLBMDA Weekly is our newsletter covering everything from the latest activity in Washington to updates from our members. This is the premier source of federal legislative, regulatory, and industry news for NLBMDA members.

NLBMDA Releases 2026 National Policy Agenda

Earlier today NLBMDA released its 2026 National Policy Agenda, outlining NLBMDA’s key advocacy priorities for the year ahead and serving as its primary roadmap for engagement with Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. The agenda highlights recent tax policy victories that preserved capital and provided greater certainty for LBM dealers, underscores housing as a top priority as lawmakers consider housing legislation in 2026, and advances targeted recommendations to strengthen housing supply, affordability, workforce development, transportation, and regulatory reform, positioning NLBMDA to play an active role in the major policy debates shaping the industry’s future.

Read the full announcement and access the NPA here.

NLBMDA's Year In Review Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

NLBMDA recently released its 2025 Year In Review document, recapping at how NLBMDA shaped federal policy throughout the year, along with insights from our major industry gatherings and a warm welcome to our newest members. It’s a snapshot of where the industry is headed and how NLBMDA is leading the charge.

Get a quick look at the major wins shaping the LBM industry in 2025—from sweeping tax reforms and new housing incentives to big movement on swipe fee reform, wildfire legislation, and trade policy. Plus, see highlights from NLBMDA’s biggest events of the year and meet our newest members.

Dive into the complete 2025 Year in Review for more!

Holiday Special Extended for the 2026 Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference

Registration is now open for NLBMDA's Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. from March 17-18 in Washington, D.C. If you register by January 23, you can save $200 on full-priced registration!

This premier event is an incredible opportunity to remind leaders of the importance of our industry and advance the advocacy agendas of NLBMDA. This conference includes many opportunities to learn about key issues affecting the lumber and building material industry from Washington policy experts.

The event will culminate with a day for you to conduct in-person meetings with your elected officials in Congress, making your voice heard on Capitol Hill. You won’t want to miss a minute of this program.

Apply for Dealers to D.C. Advocacy Grant Program to Participate at NLBMDA's Annual Legislative Fly-In

NLBMDA has introduced Dealers to D.C., a new grant initiative aimed at boosting dealer participation at the 2026 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference. The program offers ten $750 advocacy grants to help cover registration, travel, and lodging for LBM dealers—especially those who haven’t attended recently or represent underrepresented states. By broadening dealer involvement, NLBMDA strengthens its voice on Capitol Hill and ensures a wider range of industry perspectives are heard.

Participants will receive advocacy training, issue briefings, and hands‑on support from NLBMDA staff to prepare for effective meetings with lawmakers. Applications are now open, and final submissions due January 5. Grant recipients will be announced ahead of the March 17–18, 2026 conference.

Apply Today!

Realtor.com Releases 2026 Housing Forecast

Realtor.com's 2026 housing outlook points to a steadier market shaped primarily by mortgage rates holding near current levels, a gradual recovery in supply, and an increasingly important role for new construction. Mortgage rates are expected to average about 6.3% throughout the year—lower than the 2025 average but still elevated by historical standards. This stability, combined with moderating home price growth of roughly 2.2%, should provide modest affordability relief. Monthly mortgage payments are projected to decline slightly, and rising incomes are expected to bring the typical payment below 30% of household income for the first time since 2022.

Housing supply will continue to improve, though at a slower pace than in recent years. For-sale inventory is forecast to rise nearly 9% year over year in 2026, marking a third consecutive year of gains as the market moves closer to pre-pandemic norms. Even with this progress, inventory will remain below long-term averages, and existing-home sales are expected to rise only modestly. The mortgage rate “lock-in” effect will continue to limit turnover, keeping many homeowners on the sidelines and preventing a sharper rebound in resale activity.

New construction is expected to play a key role in balancing the market. With newly built homes making up a larger share of available inventory, builders are competing aggressively by offering incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. In many markets—especially in the South and West—new homes are emerging as a more affordable alternative to resale properties, with smaller footprints and lower price-per-square-foot costs. As a result, new construction will remain a critical source of supply in 2026, helping offset limited resale inventory and giving buyers more options in a still-constrained market.

Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the Year, NAHB Says

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that long-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid-2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024.

According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% in December — 5 basis points (bps) lower than November — and the 15-year rate declined 3 bps to 5.48%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate and 15-year rate dropped 53 bps and 45 bps, respectively, or about half a percentage point.

Falling mortgage rates have started to translate into gains as existing home sales edged up slightly in November. However, this increase remains limited as mortgage rates above 6% are still considered elevated.

Nonetheless, as financing costs continue to decline, more households are likely to re-enter the housing market. An NAHB analysis shows that a 25-bps reduction in the 30-year mortgage rate from 6.25% to 6%, could bring approximately 1.1 million additional households back into the buyer pool.

NAHB expects the 30-year mortgage rate to average 6.17% in 2026 and reach 6% by 2027.

White House Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture, Kitchen Cabinets, and Vanities

The White House has announced it will delay planned tariff increases on imported furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities that were scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Tariffs imposed in October set a 25% duty on these products, with rates slated to rise to 30% on furniture and 50% on kitchen cabinets and vanities at the start of next year. Under the revised timeline, the existing 25% tariff will remain in place until at least Jan. 1, 2027, providing temporary relief for importers and the broader building materials supply chain. The White House said the decision reflects ongoing negotiations with trading partners over wood product imports and the desire to allow more time for talks to continue.

Supreme Court Avoids Tariff Decision in First Rulings of Year

Despite expectations it might do so last week, the Supreme Court has not yet issued its long anticipated ruling in Learning Resources v. Trump, the legal case testing the White House’s authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). IEEPA, a 1977 statute normally used for sanctions during national emergencies, has been used as a tool since the start of the Administration to justify largescale tariff policy. The case, argued on November 5, 2025, asks whether IEEPA authorizes the president to levy broad import duties, and if so, whether that authority unconstitutionally delegates Congress’s taxing power to the executive. Lower federal courts, including the U.S. Court of International Trade and the Federal Circuit, ruled that IEEPA does not provide such authority, though their judgments have been stayed while the Supreme Court considers the matter.

The tariffs at issue include so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs and other emergency duties affecting most U.S. trade partners. If the Supreme Court ultimately strikes down the IEEPA basis for these tariffs, importers could pursue hundreds of billions of dollars in refunds, and the decision would sharply restrict presidential trade authority absent clear congressional authorization. The Supreme Court is expected to release more decisions on Wednesday, which may include a ruling on the tariff case. NLBMDA will continue to monitor and report any developments, providing updates on potential impacts to the LBM industry.

Trump Administration Prepares Housing Affordability Executive Order

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a broad executive order aimed at improving housing affordability, with a particular focus on first-time and younger homebuyers. Expected to be unveiled later this month, the order could include proposals such as longer-term mortgages, restrictions on institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, and allowing buyers to tap retirement or education savings for down payments without tax penalties. Administration officials have also signaled interest in policies to expand housing supply, including regulatory relief for builders, permitting reforms, and measures to encourage homeowners to sell by easing financing constraints.

While details remain fluid and many proposals would require congressional action, the White House is framing housing as central to its broader affordability agenda. More details are expected later this month when President Trump addresses the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. NLBMDA will continue to closely follow discussions and developments to ensure the LBM industry’s perspective is reflected as policymakers consider housing affordability and supply-focused solutions.

U.S. Senate Confirms NLRB Nominees Restoring Quorum on Board

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump’s nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), restoring the Board’s quorum after nearly a year of limited operations. Labor attorneys Scott Mayer and James D. Murphy joined as Board members, while Crystal S. Carey was confirmed as general counsel. Their confirmations, part of a 97-nomination slate approved 53–43 by the Senate, enable the NLRB to resume decision-making on labor disputes and enforce policies aligned with the Trump administration. The NLRB Board has lacked a quorum since President Trump fired Democratic-appointed board member Gwynne Wilcox last January.

U.S. House Passes Affordable HOMES Act

Last week the U.S. House voted 263‑147 to pass H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R‑IN), which repeals a Biden‑era Department of Energy (DOE) manufactured housing energy efficiency rule and returns sole regulatory authority over manufactured housing construction standards to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Bill sponsors say the change will streamline regulation, reduce overlapping agency authority, and lower upfront costs that can keep more families from affordable homeownership, while still allowing DOE to provide advisory recommendations to HUD. Proponents of the legislation argue this regulatory clarity could help expand access to lower‑cost manufactured homes, a key component of addressing the broader housing affordability challenge. The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.

Misura Group adds fractional CFO advisory services

Misura Group LLC, a premier executive search and consulting firm specializing in the construction supply and LBM industry, announced today the addition of April Murray as leader of its newly launched Fractional CFO Advisory Services.

“April brings exceptional financial and operational expertise to companies that need strategic finance leadership but may not require or be ready for a full-time CFO,” said Tony Misura, Founder of Misura Group.

LBM Advantage names 2025 top vendors

LBM Advantage has named its top vendors of 2025. The company says the awards recognize outstanding supplier partners whose performance, collaboration and commitment helped LBM Advantage members drive meaningful success throughout the past year.

Vendors are selected from four primary building product categories: Commodities, Specialties, Millwork, and Kitchen & Bath, and are evaluated based on key performance metrics, including sales growth, gross margin improvement, customer support and product quality.

ECI Software Solutions Acquires Amper Technologies, Increasing AI-Driven Operational Efficiency for Manufacturers

Acquisition expands ECI’s ability to deliver real-time, AI-enhanced shop floor visibility and connected, end-to-end production workflows for manufacturers.

ECI Software Solutions, a leader in AI-powered, cloud-based business management software and services, today announced its acquisition of Amper Technologies, Inc.®, a manufacturing execution system (MES) company that gives factories real-time visibility into their shop floors. The acquisition strengthens ECI’s commitment to AI innovation, adding Amper’s predictive, AI-powered insights that help manufacturers run more efficiently.

Federated Insurance® Participates In Annual United Way Campaign Raising Nearly $450,000 for the Organization

Federated Insurance® employees raised $304,655 for the United Way through their annual company-wide giving campaign. With an additional $145,305 corporate donation, the total contribution reached $449,960 to support United Way agencies across the country.

“United Way serves as a cornerstone of our community, playing an important role in creating positive, lasting change for our neighbors,” said Federated® Community Relations Manager Cheryl Deason. “Federated’s partnership unites us in a shared commitment to ensure every person has the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to stand with the United Way as it continues to build a stronger, more equitable community for all.”

Epicor Named a Leader for Fourth Consecutive Year in Nucleus Research CPQ Technology Value Matrix 2025

Epicor, a global leader of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader for the fourth consecutive year in the Nucleus Research Configure Price Quote (CPQ) Technology Value Matrix, published November 2025. This achievement underscores Epicor’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative CPQ solutions that combine advanced functionality with exceptional usability for businesses across the make, move, and sell industries.

“Being named a Leader for the fourth year running validates our vision to simplify complexity for manufacturers and distributors,” said Marcus Welk, Senior Product Manager at Epicor. “Epicor CPQ is more than a quoting tool – it’s a strategic enabler that connects sales and production seamlessly. With AI-driven enhancements and deep ERP integration, we’re helping customers accelerate quote-to-order cycles, reduce errors, and unlock new revenue opportunities in highly competitive markets.”

National Lumber has been actively serving their customers and the Baltimore community since 1919. By partnering with many of the local, non-profit organizations, the team says is some of the most important work they do and is a tradition they hope to carry on well into the future.

This holiday season, national Lumber took part of the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees. The Kennedy Krieger Institute provides inpatient and outpatient medical care, community services, and school based programs for children and adolescents with learning disabilities, as well as disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system. The Institute provides services for children with developmental concerns mild to severe, and is involved in research into various disorders, including new interventions and earlier diagnosis.

National Lumber is honored to assist this world-class organization by displaying Christmas Trees in the store purchased through the Institute’s “Festival of Trees” fundraising drive.