Magazine names power figures for home-building industry

Alan Greenspan, chairman of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System, was at the top of the list this year in Builder Magazine's ranking of the 50 most influential people in the home-building industry.

Franklin Raines, chairman and CEO of government-sponsored lending entity Fannie Mae, was second on the list, which was released earlier this month. The magazine noted that "Raines is in a position of great influence for builders."

Fannie Mae's board of directors, meanwhile, announced today that Raines is stepping down from his post. Raines said in a statement, "The SEC has determined that (accounting) mistakes were made. By my early retirement, I have held myself accountable."

President George W. Bush placed third on the list: "In two polls conducted by Builder (Magazine) during the election season, roughly three out of every four builders surveyed planned to vote for (Bush). Builders largely believe that the Republican business policies of lower taxes, streamlined regulations and tort reform are in their best interests," the article stated.

Jerry Howard, executive vice president and CEO for the National Association of Home Builders, placed fourth on the list.

Other notables:

5. Andres Duany – founding principal of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co. Duany is a founder and board member of the Congress for New Urbanism, "a movement that integrates planning with accompanying design codes. His philosophy has changed the look of communities everywhere," the article states.

6. Bruce Karatz – chairman and CEO, KB Home.

7. Don Horton – chairman, D.R. Horton.

8. Donald Bren – chairman, The Irvine Co.

9. Timothy R.Eller – chairman and CEO, Centex Corp.

10. Michael McCook – senior investment officer, Real Estate CalPERS

Builder also named pop culture icons for the building industry, among them: Bob the Builder, Bob Vila of "This Old House," Ty Pennington of "Trading Spaces" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and Donald Trump.

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