Who We Are
The Collective Voice of the Local Housing Industry
SAHBA’s vision for Southern Arizona is that of highly connected communities that offer diverse and high-quality housing opportunities and support thriving businesses. We advocate for the residential construction industry not only to benefit our members but also to create employment and home ownership opportunities for thousands. SAHBA promotes regional prosperity through advocacy of sound housing policies, education about relevant and timely industry topics and personal engagement that elevates communication and understanding. We measure our accomplishments by the success of our members and recognize that when it’s easier to build homes, it’s easier to buy them.
Our Values
Our organization revolves around community-building partnerships that enhance and empower the people who take part in it. We provide a culture of success by promoting quality, accessible housing opportunities:
Integrity – Building credibility, strengthening industry reputation
Engagement – Proactively participating in efforts that advance our industry through government engagement and lasting relationships with community partners
Opportunity – Fostering an economic environment that creates meaningful employment, broadens housing choice and improves quality of life
Leadership – Shaping a better future by influencing the community dialog and investing in the next generation of leaders
Charity – Enriching our community by contributing to partners who share our vision
Our History
The Tucson Home Builders Association was founded in 1952 by Charlie Wilson, Robert Lusk and Irv Buchman with Red Hirsch serving as the organization’s first president, serving 15 charter members. The founders envisioned providing a strong, unified voice to reach all levels of government and a pro-active industry organization that served the community as well. The association became a chartered member of the National Association of Home Builders in 1953, changing its name to the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) in 1961.
SAHBA’s home since 1972 has been a building built for the Association in central Tucson by John Wesley Miller. As SAHBA hit its 25th anniversary in 1977, it celebrated serving 500 members in the rapidly growing Southern Arizona region.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, SAHBA expanded its community impact. SAHBA presented the Solar Parade of Homes, the first in the nation, in 1981. In 1987, Saul Tobin led SAHBA in launching a major fundraising program for the University of Arizona Arthritis Foundation which became the well-honored Lute Olson Celebrity Auction & Golf Tournament. Throughout the 1990s, SAHBA partnered with various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Builders of Our Future (a high school vocational program focusing on construction) and Rebuilding Together to further affordable housing opportunities and invest in local neighborhoods.
SAHBA celebrated its 50-year anniversary with 650 members in 2002. SAHBA would earn the Common Ground Award from Metropolitan Pima Alliance three times in the following years: in 2006 for the Marana Residential Design Standards; in 2008, for the Pima County Voluntary Green Building Program; and, in 2010, for SAHBA’s leadership in the Tucson Planning & Development Services/Development Package. In addition to these public policy priorities, SAHBA also provided leadership in the area of workforce development. In 2011, the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center presented to SAHBA its Legacy Partner Award. SAHBA has also been a community partner with the Arizona Transportation Builders Association in supporting the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days each year since its inception in 2014.
Today, SAHBA celebrates over 70 years of service to the Southern Arizona community and is the collective voice of more than 300 members. As the challenges of the global pandemic fade, SAHBA looks ahead to a prosperous future and a role in advocacy and community building that increases with each new member and passing year.