Welcome Home is led by a seven-member governing board representing entities such as the Omaha Area Board of Realtors, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and Metropolitan Utilities District.

Another 10 business and building industry leaders are listed as supporters of the nonprofit. They represent law firms, real estate agencies, banks and developers.

The group said it aims to educate and advocate for housing policies, including bills before the Nebraska Legislature.

Jason Thiellen, president, said the goal is not to get rid of all regulation and oversight but to look for best practices in producing for-sale housing.

“Homeownership is key to a thriving community ,” said Thiellen. “People that have ownership in a community have a vested interest in seeing it do well. They are part of the fabric of that community.”