WNC's Will Cooper Jr. Appointed Chairman of BUILD-PAC for Housing Advocacy Leadership

WNC's Will Cooper Jr. Takes Leadership Role in Housing Advocacy

WNC, a key player in the affordable housing sector, announces that President and CEO Will Cooper, Jr. has been appointed as Chairman of BUILD-PAC, the political action committee of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This appointment occurs at a pivotal moment during the 2026 International Builders' Show, held in Orlando, Florida, and represents a significant consolidation of leadership within the housing policy arena. Cooper, who has been actively involved as a BUILD-PAC Trustee for over a decade, emphasizes the necessity of political engagement, particularly as the industry navigates the complexities of a mid-term election cycle. His new role underscores WNC’s commitment not only to commercial interests but also to broader community welfare through the shaping of effective housing policies.

As Chairman, Cooper is expected to provide strategic leadership to a robust Board of Trustees consisting of more than 100 members from various regions across the United States. This influential position allows him to facilitate greater collaboration among NAHB members, stakeholders, and federal policymakers, thereby strengthening the voice of the home building community. Under his guidance, BUILD-PAC aims to amplify its advocacy initiatives to sustain and enhance the interests of the housing industry. The significance of Cooper's leadership extends beyond mere representation; it is anticipated that his extensive experience and deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing affordable housing will prove invaluable in guiding critical conversations and decisions that shape housing policies.

In addition to his BUILD-PAC responsibilities, Cooper remains firmly rooted in his duties at WNC, where he oversees the company's overall business strategy and its subsidiary, Community Preservation Partners, as well as the Cooper Housing Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing America's homelessness crisis. WNC, established in 1971, has a long history of acquiring affordable housing properties, amassing a remarkable portfolio valued at over $21.5 billion and creating more than 120,000 housing units across the United States. As Cooper assumes this new leadership role, his dual focus on advocacy and practical implementation through WNC standards signals a progressive approach aimed at bridging the gap between housing availability and community needs.

Beyond the appointments and leadership changes, the timing of Cooper's elevation within BUILD-PAC coincides with a heightened awareness and activism within the housing sector in anticipation of critical electoral decisions. With housing affordability becoming a pressing issue for many Americans, the role of organizations like BUILD-PAC and leaders like Cooper becomes increasingly central in steering public discourse and legislative action in ways that align with the needs of diverse communities. The synergy between Cooper's new duties and WNC’s enduring commitment to affordable housing promises to yield strategic advancements for both the organization and the broader housing marketplace.