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EPAB President Victor Robles
As the President of the El Paso Association of Home Builders, I want to address key challenges affecting our industry today. Rising material costs, tariffs, and labor shortages are making it increasingly difficult to maintain affordability while meeting demand.
Understanding these factors can help us navigate the road ahead with a proactive mindset.
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Rising Material Costs and Tariffs Builders in El Paso continue to face increasing costs for essential materials like lumber, steel, and concrete. Tariffs on imported materials have further driven up prices, making home construction more expensive. While lumber prices have stabilized compared to pandemic peaks, they remain high. |
Labor and Infrastructure Challenges
Beyond materials, we also face labor shortages. The construction industry struggles to attract and retain skilled workers, leading to project delays and rising wages. Without an adequate workforce, homebuilding slows down, affecting affordability.
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Another challenge is infrastructure. As El Paso grows, we need greater investment in roads, water systems, and energy grids to support new developments. Without these improvements, construction timelines slow down, further raising costs.
What Can We Do? Despite these challenges, there are steps we can take: 1. Advocating for policy changes: We must engage with officials to push for reduced tariffs, streamlined permitting, and workforce training programs. 2. Exploring alternative materials: Builders should consider engineered wood, recycled steel, and sustainable methods to mitigate rising costs. 3. Investing in workforce development: Encouraging trade
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schools and apprenticeships will help secure a skilled labor force. 4. Promoting smart growth: Collaboration with city planners ensures infrastructure keeps pace with residential development, preventing costly delays. While these challenges are significant, El Paso’ s homebuilding industry remains strong. By working together, staying informed, and advocating for smart policies, we can keep homeownership within reach for our community. The El Paso Association of Home Builders will continue leading these efforts to ensure a thriving future. I encourage our members to stay engaged, voice concerns, and collaborate on solutions. Together, we can navigate these uncertain times with confidence. |