MHI on the Hill: A Powerful Platform for Advocacy and Innovation

On September 9–10, MHI members gathered in Washington, D.C. for MHI on the Hill, a signature advocacy event that offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with federal policymakers and national housing leaders. Held in conjunction with HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase, the event brought together industry professionals, elected officials and housing advocates to spotlight the critical role of manufactured housing in addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

 

Throughout the two-day event, MHI members were briefed on the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting the manufactured housing industry. These in-depth sessions equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools to effectively advocate for policies that support housing affordability, innovation and consumer choice.

 

A key highlight of MHI on the Hill was the opportunity for members to meet face-to-face with lawmakers and their staff. These meetings allowed MHI members to share first-hand insights about the industry and communicate the importance of modernizing federal policies to support manufactured housing as an attainable, innovative, and quality homeownership option. Our message emphasized the need for regulatory clarity, financing solutions, and community investment to help manufactured housing meet today’s housing supply challenges.

 

Networking was also a central component of the event. Members connected during several engaging gatherings, including a special open house on the National Mall hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase. This event welcomed elected officials and provided a relaxed setting for meaningful conversations about housing policy and innovation.

 

HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase, held on the National Mall drew more than 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, housing professionals, media and members of the public. It served as a powerful platform to demonstrate the quality, design, and attainability of modern manufactured homes.

 

UMH Properties marked its fifth year participating in the showcase, exhibiting three homes in partnership with Cavco Industries, Champion Homes, and Ritz-Craft. These homes highlighted a range of styles and features, underscoring the flexibility and appeal of manufactured housing for diverse communities.

 

Clayton Homes displayed a single-section CrossMod® home as part of the event. This innovative model showcased the blend of traditional site-built aesthetics with the efficiency and attainability of manufactured construction—an ideal solution for expanding housing options nationwide.

 

The homes on display illustrated the broad spectrum of manufactured housing solutions and reinforced the industry’s commitment to quality, innovation and affordability.

 

As the event concluded, MHI members left energized and empowered, having made valuable connections and advanced the industry’s voice in the nation’s capital. MHI on the Hill once again proved to be a vital forum for advocacy, collaboration, and showcasing the future of housing in America.