CREF Policy Update: DOL Updates Davis-Bacon Split Wage Threshold
DOL Updates Davis-Bacon Split Wage Threshold
Last month, the Department of Labor (DOL) updated the threshold at which split wages are determined. The new threshold increased from $2.5 million to $3.3 million or 20% of the total project costs.
Why it matters: MBA has advocated for changes to Davis Bacon wage rule for many years. The current Davis-Bacon rule increases development costs for affordable housing by 10-20%, complicates project execution, and deters contractor participation.
• Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply to all federally funded loans (including FHA-insured multifamily loans) and add significant costs and complex compliance to federally funded projects. To meet the President’s goal of increasing housing supply, changes like these will lower per-unit delivery costs for federally funded housing units.
What’s next: MBA will continue to advocate for additional updates to Davis-Bacon rules related to timing of wage determination, the definition of residential, and more.
For more information, please contact Megan Booth at (202) 557-2740.
#MBACREF26 Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is now open for MBA’s Commercial/Multifamily Finance Convention and Expo 2026 (#MBACREF26) in San Diego on Feb. 8-11!
• The slew of informative and timely sessions includes the Honorable Kevin Warsh, the esteemed economist and former Federal Reserve Board Governor, who will share his insights on the market.
Why it matters: #MBACREF26 is the premier gathering for CRE finance professionals, where industry leaders meet to gain market intelligence and explore solutions to navigate shifting economic conditions, interest rates, and capital sources.
What’s next: Register now for the best price and hotel availability. Group rates, Sponsorship and Exhibit opportunities are available.
For more information, visit mba.org/cref.
MBA’s Commercial Council to Host Next Meeting on Sept. 4
MBA’s Commercial Council will host its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
• The virtual meeting will highlight both emerging and re-emerging asset classes and feature two mini-panel discussions: one on emerging sectors such as data centers and storage facilities, and another on the shifts in office, multifamily, and retail.
• There will also be a market outlook session led by MBA’s research team, covering current market conditions, sector trends, and performance across capital markets.
Why it matters: MBA’s Commercial Council brings together professionals across the capital markets, creating a valuable forum to learn, share insights, and stay connected to emerging themes.
What’s next: Visit the Councils & Committees page to learn more and get involved.
For more information, please contact Tonya Wright at (202) 557-2846.
Register for MAA’s Next Quarterly Webinar: Sept. 10
On Sept. 10, join MBA’s Legislative and Political Affairs Team for the next Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA) Quarterly Webinar, which will discuss the remaining agenda for Congress in 2025 and beyond.
• Both chambers of Congress, set to return from their three-week August recess, will have a busy September, with various policy issues and budget matters on the agenda, including funding the government beyond September 30th. Register now for this can’t-miss virtual event!
Why it matters: MAA’s Quarterly Webinar Series provides valuable insights into the legislative process, policy landscape, and addressing key issues impacting the real estate finance industry, allowing MBA and MAA members to effectively engage in advocacy year-round.
What’s next: Register to attend MBA’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC), taking place April 14-15, 2026, at The Westin DC Downtown. Join hundreds of industry advocates to meet with and educate policymakers on issues impacting your businesses and customers. It’s never too early to make your plans!
• Register by March 2, 2026, to receive the early bird rate. MBA offers special rates for members of MBA’s young professionals’ network (mPact), the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Society, and group rates for MBA member companies as well.
For more information, please contact maa@mba.org or Margie Ehrhardt at (202) 557-2708.
Upcoming MBA CREF Councils and Committee Meetings
MBA’s CREF Councils and Committees are a key way to connect to everything MBA has to offer around policy, advocacy, market intelligence and research, education, and networking. Councils and Committees are built around specific capital sources and serve as an opportunity for you to join other commercial real estate finance professionals to hear from experts, discuss opportunities and challenges, and connect with peers.
Upcoming virtual meetings include:
• FHA Committee: Sept. 9
• Life Company Council: Sept. 16
• Servicer Council: Sept. 18
• Bank Council: Sept. 24
• Structured Finance Council: Nov. 5
For more information, click on the links above and/or contact Kelli Burke at (202) 557- 2742.
Upcoming MBA Education Webinars on Critical Industry Issues
MBA Education continues to deliver timely commercial/multifamily and single-family programming that covers the spectrum of challenges, obstacles and solutions pertaining to our industry. Below, please see a list of upcoming and recent webinars – all complimentary to MBA members:
• Trends in Commercial Non-Bank Lending: Evolving Strategies & Creating Operational Advantages – Sept. 9
• Multifamily Lending for Shared Equity Homeownership: How Companies Can Expand Their Community Impact – Sept. 10
• Leveraging Inspection Networks: Ensuring Compliance Across Large, Geographically Disparate Portfolios – Sept. 17
• Fundamentals of Commercial Insurance Issues and Problems – Sept. 18
• Managing the Property Tax Burden for CRE Loans – Sept. 23
MBA members can register for any of the above events and view recent webinar recordings by clicking here.
For more information, please contact David Upbin at (202) 557-2931.
