Event to take place October 7-9
As Puerto Rico confronts rising housing demand, unprecedented investment in tourism and infrastructure, and mounting pressure to accelerate economic development, the island’s construction and development leaders are preparing to gather around a shared question: how to build the next phase of Puerto Rico’s growth.
The conversation will take place Oct. 7–8 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center during the 75th Annual Convention of the Puerto Rico Builders Association, known in Spanish as the Asociación de Constructores de Puerto Rico. The two-day event is expected to bring together senior government officials, developers, economists, financiers and construction executives for a practical discussion of the economic priorities shaping the island’s future.
For the industry, the convention arrives at a pivotal moment. Housing affordability has become a growing concern for middle-income professionals and families, while private investment continues to reshape hospitality, mixed-use development and commercial real estate across the island. Public infrastructure projects and new financing tools are also creating opportunities for builders, investors and policymakers to align around long-term competitiveness.
“Construction is much more than building projects,” said Pinsy Rivera Ortiz, president of the Puerto Rico Builders Association. “It is about creating opportunities for families to own homes, supporting thousands of jobs, attracting investment, strengthening communities and laying the foundation for Puerto Rico’s long-term economic competitiveness. The decisions we make today will define what Puerto Rico looks like for decades to come.”
A central focus of the convention will be the need to expand housing options across several market segments, especially for the so-called “missing middle” — professionals and middle-income families who increasingly struggle to find attainable homes. One featured panel will examine strategies to respond to that demand, while another session will offer an updated view of Puerto Rico’s residential market based on recent economic trends.
The agenda will also examine Puerto Rico’s growing appeal as an investment destination. Industry leaders are expected to discuss the next wave of hospitality, mixed-use and retail developments, including how tourism investment is creating opportunities beyond traditional visitor corridors. Another session will focus on the transformation of conventional shopping centers into mixed-use lifestyle destinations designed to meet changing consumer preferences and community needs.
Additional sessions will explore financing mechanisms, investment incentives and emerging opportunities that could influence construction and development activity across Puerto Rico.
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera are expected to participate, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector on housing, infrastructure and economic development priorities.
The convention also marks a milestone for the association, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a gala on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
“For 75 years, our members have helped build not only homes, offices, hotels and communities, but also opportunities for economic growth and a better quality of life,” Rivera Ortiz said. “The Puerto Rico Builders Association has spent three quarters of a century advocating for responsible development, promoting policies that strengthen the construction industry and serving as a catalyst for Puerto Rico’s economic progress. As we celebrate our anniversary, we remain focused on the future and on ensuring that our industry continues to be a driving force behind Puerto Rico’s progress.”
The convention will close with the association’s annual awards luncheon, recognizing members whose leadership, innovation and commitment have made lasting contributions to Puerto Rico’s construction industry and broader development landscape.
