By BUILDER Magazine Staff. Builder U

The recently announced NAHB University of Housing is a one-stop shop for the NAHB's 205,000 members to learn about and sign up for all of the association's educational programs.

NAHB president Gary Garczynski says that the advent of the NAHB University of Housing will mean improved educational opportunities for members. "We will regularly assess the members' business educational needs in order to quickly develop new programs members want. And, we'll be ready to move into alternative methods of education delivery, if that's what they're looking for."

Density Matters

Want opposition to development? Propose multifamily housing. The NAHB now has the research to debunk negative myths about multifamily.

"Multifamily development is a key smart growth strategy," says Andrew Chaban, chair of NAHB Multifamily and a multifamily home builder in Lowell, Mass. "Higher-density housing, especially in infill locations, expands housing options and allows people to live near transportation, jobs, and entertainment amenities."

Multifamily Myths The NAHB uses U.S. Census Bureau data to debunk negative myths.

Myth: Hurts nearby property values.

Fact: Increases single-family property values (3.9 percent for areas with multifamily vs. 3.6 percent for areas without). [what compared to what?]

Myth: Overcrowds schools.

Fact: Has fewer children than single-family (26.7 per hundred households vs. 62.4 per hundred households).

Myth: Creates traffic problems.

Fact: Lessons traffic with fewer cars and more public transportation use.

Myth: Houses only those with low-incomes.

Fact: Fastest-growing segment makes $50,000 plus yearly.

Board Feat

The NAHB opposes the Canadian lumber tariff because it boosts home prices. Each dollar increase in the price of 1,000 board feet of lumber adds about $20 to the price of an average new home. For smaller, less expensive homes built for low- and moderate-income families, lumber represents an even larger share of the construction. Even a small price increase knocks thousands of potential first-time home buyers out of the market.

To register or for more information, call 800-368-5242, ext. 8474 or visit www.ncosh.com/build4boomers. Tapping Boomers

The first boomers--3.2 million--turned 55 in 2001. In the next five years, 18 million more will turn 55.

"The boomer generation has rewritten the book on housing," says Antonio Giordano Jr., chairman of the NAHB Seniors Housing Council and a home builder from Providence, R.I. "As their story unfolds, one thing is certain: boomers' expectations about their housing needs are different from any generation before them. Home buyers in the 55-plus age group are healthier and wealthier than ever, and they expect their housing choices to reflect their active, independent lifestyles."

"Building for Boomers and Beyond: Redefining Youth, Redesigning Housing" will be the focus of the 2002 Seniors Housing Symposium. Presented by the NAHB's Seniors Housing Council, the event will take place May 1-3 at the Caribe Royale Resort Suites & Villas in Orlando, Fla.

To register or for more information, call 800-368-5242, ext. 8474 or visit www.ncosh.com/build4boomers.