Indiana Builders Association honors Gov. Mike Braun with housing award

The Indiana Builders Association presented Gov. Mike Braun with the National Association of Home Builders’ Defender of Housing Award for his support of Indiana’s housing industry. The recognition highlights ongoing policy work around affordability, development barriers and residential construction in the state.

Why it matters: - The award signals support from Indiana builders for Braun’s approach to housing policy. - Housing affordability and housing supply remain major issues for Hoosier families, home builders and remodelers. - Braun’s backing matters because state legislation and regulation can affect the cost of housing.

What happened: - The Indiana Builders Association recently presented Gov. Mike Braun with the National Association of Home Builders’ Defender of Housing Award in Indianapolis. - IBA President Marcy DeShong made the presentation. - The award recognizes elected officials who show strong support for housing and issues facing the home building industry. - The award is presented biennially and is fashioned in the likeness of a traditional house key.

The details: - Braun worked with IBA and housing advocates on policies aimed at reducing barriers to residential development and expanding housing opportunities in Indiana. - One of those measures was House Enrolled Act 1001, known as “Housing Matters,” which passed during the 2026 legislative session. - DeShong said Braun understands the challenges facing home builders, remodelers and Hoosier families. - DeShong said IBA appreciates Braun’s willingness to work with the industry on housing affordability and availability. - The award honors ongoing partnerships with elected officials who help shape housing policy through legislation and regulation, DeShong said.

Between the lines: - The recognition places Braun in alignment with Indiana’s home building industry at a time when affordability and supply remain under pressure. - IBA is framing housing policy as a direct driver of business conditions for builders and remodelers, not just a broader policy debate. - The award also suggests the association sees Braun as a practical partner on future housing legislation.

What's next: - IBA and housing advocates are expected to keep pushing for policies that open more paths to residential development in Indiana. - The state’s 2026 housing agenda will likely continue to center on affordability, availability and regulatory barriers. - IBA says it will keep advocating on legislative, regulatory and legal issues that affect housing affordability.

The bottom line: - Braun’s award is a public endorsement from Indiana’s builders as the state keeps working on housing supply and affordability.