As Congress gets back in motion this fall, much of the national conversation is centered on budgets, taxes, and regulation. For our industry, these aren’t just policy debates, they affect the homes we build, the prices our customers pay, and the opportunities we provide to families across South Dakota and beyond.
According to NAHB’s Eye on Housing, affordability remains a critical challenge. Single-family permits continue to trend downward while material costs have risen for four consecutive months. At the same time, housing values nationwide remain strong, underscoring the essential role our industry plays in the economy. Here in South Dakota, we face the same pressures, higher costs, tight labor markets, and steady demand for housing. That’s why advocacy and engagement are more important than ever.
In Sioux Falls, the latest building data illustrates both progress and pressure. Through August, total construction value has topped $908 million, well above 2024 and 2023 levels. Residential permit values are stronger than recent years, yet the number of permitted dwelling units has slowed, especially in single-family homes. On the positive side, townhome permits are on the rise, reflecting shifts in housing demand. These numbers remind us that while our industry is resilient, we must remain focused on affordability and workforce challenges that shape our ability to deliver homes.
Insights like these highlight why it’s important to stay connected to broader industry conversations and solutions. One of the best opportunities to do that is at the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). Mark your calendars: February 17–19, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. This will be the last year IBS is in Orlando before returning to Las Vegas in 2027, making it a special chance to gather with peers, see innovations, and discuss our industry’s future.
Registration is open, and September is the best time for discounted rates. NAHB members receive a free expo pass this month, plus savings on the Expo Education Pass, including a first-time attendee offer. If you’ve ever considered going, this is the year. Use the QR code below to register.
IBS is more than a trade show, it’s three days of education, hands-on demos, and the latest products in residential construction. Attendees gain insights from experts, connect with thousands of professionals, and return home with ideas to strengthen their businesses and local associations. For Area 10 members, it’s also a chance to build relationships nationwide and ensure our voices are heard.
Beyond the show floor, IBS offers opportunities to attend NAHB committee meetings, meet leaders, and help shape policy priorities. The conversations there influence everything from workforce development to regulatory reform, issues that impact us daily in South Dakota. A strong Area 10 presence ensures our needs remain part of the national dialogue.
The challenges facing housing are real: rising costs, limited labor, and ongoing affordability concerns. But so are the opportunities. By coming together, advocating for smart policy, and investing in our workforce, we can continue to build homes, build communities, and build futures. IBS is where those opportunities come into focus and where members gain the tools and confidence to return home ready to lead.
I encourage you to take advantage of the registration deals this month and join us in Orlando this February. It’s an investment in yourself, your business, and our industry.
Together, we are stronger and together, we are shaping the future of housing.
