Manufactured Housing Institute

The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) describes itself as the only national trade organization representing all segments of the factory-built housing industry. Its membership covers manufacturers, developers, retailers, community operators, investors, lenders, suppliers and state associations, and it says its more than 1,000 member companies serve the 22 million Americans living in manufactured homes.

Members join through one of MHI's divisions and councils: the Financial Services Division, the Manufactured Housing Division, the National Communities Council, the National Modular Housing Council, the National Retailers Council and the Suppliers Division. Members of the National Communities Council agree to abide by its Code of Ethics, which covers conduct that promotes the public image of land-lease manufactured housing communities and positive resident relations.

Membership benefits listed by MHI are regulatory, technical, statistical and financial updates by newsletter and alert; education through the Manufactured Housing Educational Institute, industry certification programs, seminars and meetings; discounted registration, exhibiting and publications; economic statistical reports at no charge, which MHI values at $1,000; and federal lobbying, monitoring and analysis of legislative and regulatory proposals. MHI also runs a Political Action Committee and the annual Excellence in Manufactured Housing Awards, voted on by member companies and judged in part by independent industry experts.

Its events calendar includes the Annual Meeting featuring MHI on the Hill in Washington, the National Communities Council Fall Leadership Forum in Chicago, a Winter Meeting and the Congress & Expo. MHI is at 1000 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2502, Arlington, Virginia, on 703-558-0400. Dues are not published: the join path runs through a division or council, so ask which one fits a community owner or supplier before applying.