Overview

Explore how Build America, Buy America (BABA) applies to HFA-administered programs. During this webinar, we cover core rules, key definitions, and what domestic content procurement preference requirements — also known as the Buy America Preference — mean for affordable housing construction and rehabilitation projects. You will learn how BABA affects affordable housing and other key stakeholders — developers, general contractors, manufacturers, suppliers — and where HFAs fit within the broader buyer and compliance ecosystem.

In this webinar, presenters:

  • Examine the BABA waiver process and walk through scenarios where HFAs and their partners may consider waiver strategies based on cost, availability, public interest, or project feasibility.
  • Explain the documentation HFAs must receive from developers and contractors and how to evaluate component-level and material-level compliance.
  • Consider best practices for integrating BABA into application reviews, loan agreements, construction monitoring, and closeout processes.
  • Learn what housers should anticipate regarding cost impacts, procurement challenges, timelines, and opportunities as the market continues to adapt.

This program aired on June 18, 2026, and is now available for purchase on demand. 

Agenda

Session 1 | BABA Fundamentals for HFAs and Their Partners

Review core rules, key definitions, and what domestic content procurement preference requirements — AKA the Buy America Preference — mean for affordable housing construction and rehabilitation projects. Learn what to anticipate regarding cost impacts, procurement challenges, timelines, and opportunities as the market continues to adapt.

Session 2 | BABA’s Impact Across the Housing Development Landscape

This panel of experts representing different segments of the industry will examine how BABA is affecting affordable housing development in practice and how stakeholders are responding.

Session 3 | Waivers: When, Why, and How HFAs and Their Partners Should Use Them

Expert trainers break down waiver paths and walk through scenarios and strategies based on cost, availability, public interest, or project feasibility. 

Session 4 | Certification, Documentation, and Oversight

Understand what documentation developers and contractors must provide, how HFAs should evaluate component-level and material-level compliance, and best practices for integrating BABA into application reviews, loan agreements, construction monitoring, and closeout processes. 

Trainer

  • Jessie Handforth Kome, Director | CohnReznick

Session 2 Panelists

  • Ashley Carson, Chief Counsel, MaineHousing
  • Chris Connis, Senior Project Manager, Construction | Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
  • Jenna Nelson, Project Manager | Shopworks Architecture
  • Kerina Spencer, Senior Real Estate Development Manager | Enterprise Community Development

Jesse Kome  
Chris Connis  Jenna Nelson  Kerina Spencer