2026 Housing Summit
Date and Time
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Thursday April 23, 2026
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Doors open at 8:00 AM
Location
Pioneer Park Pavilion
330 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
Fees/Admission
Registration for Elected Officials, City/County/State/National Staff and MBAPC Members: FREE *Registration Required*
Registration for Realtors & Affiliates (non-MBAPC members): $15.00
Registration for the general public (non-MBAPC members): $25.00
Contact Information
Aaron Hallenberg
Send Email
2026 Housing Summit
Description
The Master Builders Association of Pierce County’s 2026 Housing Summit is a premier regional event bringing together industry leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our region—housing affordability and supply.
Attendees will hear from a featured economist presenting a 2026 economic and housing forecast, offering valuable insight into market trends, interest rates, construction outlook, and regional growth. This data-driven presentation will help set the stage for meaningful conversations about the future of housing in Pierce County and across Washington State. The program will also feature a panel discussion with industry professionals and regional leaders who are actively shaping housing policy and development. Panelists will explore key topics including barriers to housing production and affordability, policy solutions to streamline permitting and reduce costs, workforce challenges impacting the construction industry, and opportunities for public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery.
This event is designed to foster productive conversations and actionable solutions. Whether you are a builder, developer, elected official, planner, or industry partner, the summit provides a valuable opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, gain insight into the economic forces shaping housing trends, and connect with others committed to addressing the housing crisis.
As housing affordability continues to impact families, workforce stability, and economic growth, the 2026 Housing Summit will highlight how the homebuilding industry is helping lead the charge toward attainable housing solutions and stronger communities.
2026 Summit Speakers!
Matthew Gardner is widely recognized as being one of the foremost real estate economists in the country. Over the past 28-years, he has offered his opinions regarding economic and housing markets condition spoken to thousands of groups across the U.S. In addition to his speaking engagements, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors where he advises the Governor on housing policy. He is also on the council of economic advisors for The Association of Washington Businesses, and is a board member at the Runstad Department of Real Estate at the University of Washington where he lectures in real estate economics. Matthew’s economic forecasts are used by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and his housing forecasts are used by Reuters in their U.S. Housing Market forecast and by Fannie Mae in their National Home Price Expectation Survey. Matthew received his undergraduate degree in economics from St. Johns College, Oxford, and he holds a graduate degree in economics from the London School of Economics. Recognitions include being chosen as the 2022 Partner of the Year by the Seattle-King County Realtors Association and as the 2023 Partner of the Year by the Washington Realtors Association. He was also voted Industry MVP by the readers of the Seattle Agents Magazine.
Scott Walker has over 25 years of leadership experience in the residential construction industry. He has been the Vice President of Rush Residential since 2011. He has served as a Board Member for the Master Builders Association of Pierce County since 2016, later serving as the associations President in 2020. Scott also serves on multiple committees with the National Association of Home Builders and the Building Industry Association of Washington, including as the current chair of the States Legislative Policy Committee. Scott was inducted in the MBAPC Hall of Fame in 2024 and named the 2025 Washington State Builder of the Year. Prior to his tenure at Rush and operating his own home building company, Scott spent 18 years at Weyerhaeuser in various financial, procurement, and operations roles. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, and finance.
Em Stone currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Bob Ferguson and covers housing & homelessness for the administration. A trained social worker, Em has spent her career advocating for young people and families experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, violence, and poverty. Since 2019, she has worked on legislation and policy at both the Washington State Legislature and the Department of Commerce focusing on housing, homelessness, land use, infrastructure, capital facilities, and public safety. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. Em also serves as a Councilmember for the City of Gig Harbor.
Sam Gilboard is the Federal Legislative Director at the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C., where he represents the residential construction industry before Congress. In this role, he lobbies federal lawmakers on immigration and workforce policies critical to meeting the nation’s housing needs. Prior to joining NAHB, Sam worked for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, a congressionally chartered organization focused on supporting affordable housing development.
