U.S. Mayors Rally Behind Realtor.com® Let America Build Campaign

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Jun 30, 2025, 06:00 ET

National campaign to unlock housing supply and improve affordability gains bipartisan support from mayors across the country

AUSTIN, Texas, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a bipartisan best practice policy statement yesterday supporting the Realtor.com^® Let America Build campaign—affirming the urgent need for local and national action to address the country's housing supply crisis.

"Mayors are on the frontlines of the housing crisis, and we applaud the U.S. Conference of Mayors for joining the call to Let America Build," said Damian Eales, CEO of Realtor.com^®. "This campaign is about working together with local leaders, builders, and industry partners to advocate for practical, pro-building solutions. We must break through red tape and restrictive zoning to create a future where more Americans can find a place to call home."

The statement, introduced by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and approved during the organization's annual meeting in Tampa, Fla., recognizes the growing housing affordability challenges facing communities nationwide. It calls for support of local efforts and initiatives to modernize housing policies, reduce barriers, and implement zoning and permitting, including Let America Build.

"Homeownership was the American dream, but it's become an impossible dream for too many people – especially young people, who want the same opportunities to make a life previous generations had," said Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin, Texas. "That's why mayors across the country are tackling the affordability crisis head on and championing pro-housing policies that make it easier to put more houses on the ground and let people not only dream again, but fulfill those dreams."

Realtor.com^® launched Let America Build to advocate for bold solutions that cut through red tape, eliminate restrictive zoning, and modernize outdated regulations that slow or block new home construction. The initiative calls on lawmakers at all levels to make pro-housing choices that unlock supply and promote affordability – including exploring options such as freeing up underutilized federal land for residential development.

"The National Association of REALTORS^® is dedicated to putting the American Dream of homeownership within reach for everyone. We applaud the Let America Build campaign's work to highlight the urgent need for action – both locally and nationally – to solve our country's housing supply and affordability crisis," said NAR 2025 President Kevin Sears. "It will take collaboration across all levels of government and with partners in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advance lasting solutions."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors' support reflects the growing widespread concern over the housing shortage and its economic ripple effects. A 2025 Realtor.com^® analysis estimates the U.S. is short nearly 4 million homes, and while some states are stepping up to address that shortage others are falling short.

"The housing crisis demands bold, local action, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) commends mayors nationwide for prioritizing housing supply and affordability," said Jim Tobin, NAHB President and CEO. "We stand ready to work with local leaders to remove barriers and build the homes we need for all Americans."

This marks another major milestone for Let America Build, which launched earlier this year at SXSW in Austin, Texas and continues to gain momentum. With increasing backing from real estate professionals, housing advocates, and now the nation's mayors, the campaign is mobilizing leaders across the country to pursue real, lasting solutions to America's housing affordability crisis.

About Realtor.com^®Realtor.com^® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com^® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com^® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.