EPAB Executive’ s Message
2026Issue8 BuildersOutlook 3
EPAB Executive’ s Message
Lydia Mhouli Crown Heritage Homes 2026 EPAB President
Carlos Villalobos Pointe Homes 2016 EPAB President
Strength in Numbers: Help Us Grow the EPAB Family
One of the greatest benefits of being a member of the El Paso Association of Builders is knowing that you are part of something bigger than your individual business. Your membership connects you not only to EPAB, but also to the Texas Association of Builders( TAB) and the National Association of Home Builders( NAHB), providing valuable opportunities for networking, education, and advocacy at the local, state and national levels.
But membership is about more than the benefits we receive individually. A strong and growing membership strengthens our entire industry. When more builders, associates and industry professionals come together under one organization, our collective voice becomes louder and more influential. Whether we are
El Paso Water is entering a critical budget season as the utility and te City of El Paso face increased public scrutiny related to the data center developments, recent concerns over water and wastewater line breaks, and broader community frustration with rising utility costs.
A small but vocal group has urged the Public Service Board( PSB), which governs El Paso Water, to limit or avoid future water and wastewater rate increases. In response, the PSB has asked El Paso Water to evaluate budgets advocating for policies that affect housing affordability, addressing regulations impacting construction or protecting the future of our industry, there is truly strength in numbers.
Earlier this year, EPAB experienced tremendous success with our membership recruitment event, welcoming 66 new members to our association. That success was something to celebrate— but our work is far from over. Growing our membership must remain an ongoing priority. Every new member brings new ideas, connections, resources and a stronger voice for the building industry.
Our upcoming Clubhouse Social gives us another opportunity to continue that momentum, and we are challenging every EPAB member to be part of it. If you’ re
with significantly reduced or no rate increases.
El Paso Water has cautioned that these scenarios would require substantial cuts to its capital program, potentially resulting in no new projects being released for three to five years and, under the most restrictive scenarios, suspension of some projects already underway. Projects supporting extensions of water and wastewater infrastructure to new development would be among the first affected. This would have a direct and significant impact on the not a golfer, you’ re invited to attend— and bring two potential new members with you.
Think about the businesses, colleagues, subcontractors, suppliers and industry professionals you work with every day. Are they benefiting from the connections and resources available through EPAB, TAB and NAHB?
Together, we can continue to grow our association, strengthen our industry and ensure that the voice of the building community is heard. Join us, bring two guests and help make our next membership event another success!
What Water Budget Cuts Could Mean for Development
Be sure to get your tickets for the Clubhouse Social click here or scan the QR code.
pace and cost of future development throughout El Paso.
As the PSB considers the upcoming budget and rate structure, it will be important for members of the development and business community to make their voices heard and communicate that continued investment in water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to accommodate growth, maintain system reliability, and support El Paso’ s long-term economic development