PATH History

The residential building industry is one of the largest and most important sectors of the U.S. economy. In recognition of the role of housing in the U.S. economy, in 1994, the White House convened representatives from all segments of America's construction industry to consider a broad set of National Construction Goals. Over the next three years, the residential segment of the construction industry, represented by homebuilders, code officials, product manufacturers, and other interested parties, developed a research plan for implementing National Construction Goals for the housing sector. PATH is the outgrowth of those proposals.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for overall management, programmatic decisions, and resource allocation, with consultation from the PATH coordinating bodies. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R;) coordinates all PATH activities. PD&R manages PATH's budget, strategy, and daily operations. Staff in PD&R's Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division have expertise in various construction systems, housing issues, and technology policies.

PATH was officially launched on May 4, 1998. From its inception and through its continued authorization by Congress, PATH has improved the development, dissemination, and use of new housing technologies.

Content updated on 3/23/2007