Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Voice in the Home Building Industry in Portland
Established in 1941, the Home Building Association of Greater Portland (HBA) has consistently advocated for the residential building and remodeling industries in the Portland metropolitan area. Our organization represents over 1,400 members, including builders, developers, subcontractors, and industry professionals, providing them with critical resources such as advocacy, education, and networking opportunities. With a dedicated staff of 11 and a $5 million annual budget, we work closely with local governments, special interest groups, and public utilities to shape policies that impact residential land use, building, and development. Our advocacy efforts have led to significant achievements, including the formation of Portland's first coordinated business advocacy PAC. We offer members substantial cost-saving benefits, including health insurance discounts, fuel discounts, and rebate programs, which often cover the cost of membership.Our educational programs, ranging from small networking events to large conferences, provide industry-specific training and certifications. Through our Home Building Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we support community initiatives such as building and renovating shelters for transitional homeless care providers and offering college scholarships. Our 22,000 sq. ft. facility in Lake Oswego includes a large conference center, classrooms, and office spaces, which members can utilize for business events and meetings. We are affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and are one of the top 20 affiliated HBAs in the U.S. in terms of membership size. Our commitment to maximizing housing choice and industry profitability has made us a trusted leader in the home building industry.
Services
Advocacy Representation
Member Benefits Program
Educational Workshops
Consumer Shows
Networking Events
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive member discounts that often cover the full cost of membership.
- Our advocacy efforts directly influence local and regional housing policy decisions.
- We provide 50-100 annual educational programs tailored to industry professionals.
- Our 22,000 sq. ft. facility includes event spaces and meeting rooms for member use.
- We represent members before 6 counties, dozens of cities, and Metro Regional Government.
What people say
Money-saving benefits
Strong advocacy efforts
Quality educational programs
Valuable networking events
Community impact initiatives
Services
Advocacy Representation
We actively represent members before local governments and regulatory bodies to shape housing policy. Our team monitors land use, permitting, and building regulations across six counties. This service ensures members' voices influence decisions affecting residential development and construction.
Member Benefits Program
Exclusive discounts and rebates help members reduce operational costs. Partnerships include health insurance, fuel discounts, credit card processing, and workers' compensation. These benefits often cover membership costs while improving business profitability through reduced expenses.
Educational Workshops
We offer 50-100 annual programs covering building codes, construction techniques, and business management. Courses satisfy Oregon Construction Contractors Board requirements while providing practical skills. Members access both online and in-person training to maintain industry expertise.
Consumer Shows
Annual events connect members with potential clients and showcase industry innovations. The NW Natural Street of Dreams and Homes of Tomorrow Today Tour attract 75,000-100,000 attendees annually. These shows demonstrate cutting-edge building technologies and design trends to consumer audiences.
Networking Events
Monthly gatherings facilitate business-to-business relationships across the construction industry. Events range from educational roundtables to large consumer shows. Members access specialized councils focused on remodeling, home performance, and professional women in building for targeted networking opportunities.
People
Dave Nielsen
Chief Executive Officer
Dave Nielsen leads HBA with over 25 years of industry experience, guiding strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts that shape regional housing policy.
Rachel Trice
Chief Membership & Marketing Officer
Rachel Trice manages membership growth and marketing strategy, ensuring members maximize benefits while promoting industry visibility across the Portland metro area.
Ben Hemson
Director of Policy & Government Affairs
Ben Hemson leads policy development and government relations, representing members before local governments to influence land use and development regulations.
Regan Schutz
Executive Director
Regan Schutz oversees the Home Building Foundation, directing community initiatives that expand housing access and support workforce development programs.
Sarah Halstead
Director of Events
Sarah Halstead organizes 50-100 annual events, from networking mixers to large consumer shows, creating valuable business development opportunities for members.
Questions
What benefits do HBA members receive?
Members access exclusive discounts on health insurance, fuel, credit card processing, and workers' compensation. They also receive advocacy representation, educational programs, and networking opportunities.
How does HBA advocate for the building industry?
We represent members before local governments and regulatory bodies, influencing land use policies, building codes, and development regulations across six Oregon counties.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide 50-100 annual programs covering construction techniques, business management, and code compliance, including both online and in-person training options.
How can I join the Home Building Association?
Visit our website to complete the online membership application and select the appropriate membership category based on your business type and needs.
What community initiatives do you support?
Through our Home Building Foundation, we build transitional housing, provide college scholarships, and support workforce development programs for the construction industry.
What events do you host annually?
We organize three major consumer shows annually: NW Natural Street of Dreams, Portland Spring Home & Garden Show, and Homes of Tomorrow Today Tour.
