Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Industry Advocacy
Since 1941, the Home Building Association Of Greater Portland has been a dedicated advocate for the residential construction and remodeling industries in the Portland metropolitan area. Our organization provides critical resources including government representation, educational programs, and member benefits designed to enhance business efficiency and profitability. With over 1,400 members across six counties, we unite builders, developers, subcontractors, and industry professionals to address housing affordability and promote sustainable growth. Our advocacy efforts focus on shaping policies that support responsible development and streamline construction processes. Through events like the NW Natural Street of Dreams and the BuildRight Conference, we foster networking opportunities and industry innovation.Our team of 11 professionals manages a $5 million annual budget, operating from our owned 22,000 sq ft facility in Lake Oswego. We maintain affiliations with the National Association of Home Builders and the Oregon Home Builders Association, reinforcing our industry leadership. Our Home Building Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports community initiatives including transitional housing projects. With decades of collective experience, our staff and leadership demonstrate deep expertise in construction advocacy and member services. We remain committed to advancing housing choice while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and community engagement.
Services
Industry Advocacy
Member Benefits
Educational Programs
Consumer Shows
Government Relations
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- We've represented Portland's construction industry since 1941 with deep policy expertise
- Our members access exclusive insurance discounts and cost-saving programs
- We produce three major consumer shows annually attracting 75,000+ attendees
- Our advocacy team maintains relationships with 40+ local jurisdictions
- We offer specialized councils for remodeling, sustainability, and professional development
Services
Industry Advocacy
Our dedicated advocacy team works across six Oregon counties to shape housing policy and streamline development processes. We maintain relationships with local governments and special districts to advance pro-housing solutions. Our efforts focus on improving housing affordability while supporting industry growth and innovation.
Member Benefits
We provide exclusive access to insurance discounts, fuel savings, and rebate programs that often cover membership costs. Our partnerships deliver tangible financial benefits including 7% off workers' compensation insurance and 22% off wireless services. These programs help members improve their bottom line through operational savings.
Educational Programs
We offer 50-100 annual educational events covering building science, construction techniques, and industry regulations. Our programs satisfy Oregon Construction Contractors Board continuing education requirements while providing practical knowledge. Events range from small roundtables to large conferences with 500+ attendees.
Consumer Shows
Our three annual consumer shows attract 75,000-100,000 attendees seeking home improvement solutions. These events showcase cutting-edge building technologies and connect consumers with local professionals. Exhibitors gain valuable exposure to homeowners and design enthusiasts through interactive displays and product demonstrations.
Government Relations
We maintain active relationships with 40+ local jurisdictions to influence housing policy decisions. Our government affairs team advocates for responsible growth and streamlined permitting processes. Through the Oregonians for Affordable Housing PAC, we support business-friendly candidates and measures at local and state levels.
People
Ben Hemson
Director of Policy and Government Affairs
Ben leads HBA's policy development and government relations efforts, focusing on housing affordability and regulatory reform. With extensive local government experience, he builds strategic partnerships to advance industry priorities while maintaining HBA's position as a key stakeholder in regional planning.
Isaac Ambruso
Deputy Director of Government Affairs
Isaac advocates for responsible growth policies and streamlined development processes across the Portland region. His previous experience at the Maryland Home Builders Association informs his approach to local government relations. He specializes in building coalitions to support housing affordability initiatives and industry-friendly legislation.
Questions
What areas does HBA serve?
We represent members across six Oregon counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, and Yamhill.
How can membership save money?
Our members access exclusive discounts on insurance, fuel, credit card processing, and more - often covering membership costs.
What educational resources do you offer?
We provide 50-100 annual programs covering building codes, construction techniques, and industry regulations with continuing education credits available.
How does HBA support housing affordability?
Our advocacy team works with local governments to implement policies that increase housing supply and reduce development costs.
What consumer events do you host?
We produce three major annual events: NW Natural Street of Dreams, Homes of Tomorrow Today Tour, and the Portland Spring Home & Garden Show.
How can I get involved in advocacy?
Join our Government Affairs Committee, Portland Building and Urban Development Council, or support our Oregonians for Affordable Housing PAC.
