Election outcomes can influence the regulatory, economic, and policy environment where construction, real estate, and community association management industries operate. From housing costs to deregulation and tariffs, finance teams may need to adapt to evolving conditions.
“Elections always bring a level of uncertainty for finance teams. Staying agile and prepared for policy shifts is essential, regardless of whether it’s interest rates or labor regulations. Digital tools give teams the flexibility to respond quickly and maintain efficiency, no matter the outcome,” said Brian Thayer, VP & GM of Sales.
Leveraging software, like accounts payable (AP) automation, can help finance leaders and their staff navigate the uncertainty that often comes with presidential transitions by enabling teams to:
- Adapt to economic shifts and interest rate fluctuations
- Respond to a potential increase in projects from deregulation
- Streamline operations in response to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions
- Focus more on budgeting and cost management to handle rising material and skilled labor costs
Below we explore how the 2024 election outcome could affect finance teams in construction, real estate, and community association management – and how AP automation can help them quickly adapt.
Economic Uncertainty
Economic growth or slowdowns during an election year can significantly impact project demand, revenue projections, and financial stability in construction, real estate, and community association management industries. Deregulation like easing zoning laws or building permit requirements may increase project volume requiring AP departments to be more efficient while handling an increased volume of invoices and payments.
The need for efficiency becomes even more important when construction, real estate, and community association management teams are facing labor shortages as well. Automation helps finance leaders do more with less by reducing repetitive tasks and streamlining processes, helping to keep projects on track.
Additionally, digital tools that provide data and analytics help finance teams respond swiftly to economic changes and offer insights into spending patterns, allowing finance leaders to make more informed decisions.
Supply Disruptions, Rising Costs, and Project Delays
Elections shape supply chains and project timelines through shifts in trade policies, tariffs, and regulatory priorities. These changes can drive up costs and limit access to essential construction materials, delaying projects and impacting the housing market.
With supply chain disruptions and rising material costs, tools that help manage expenses, streamline payments, and maintain flexibility are essential. Automating payments helps finance teams strengthen supplier relationships by ensuring suppliers are paid on time, which is even more important during volatile periods.
AP automation also reduces invoice processing costs and time, providing the efficiency and agility to handle fluctuating material costs and project delays.
Labor Market Shifts
Workforce and immigration policies shaped by election outcomes influence the availability of skilled labor, labor laws, and training initiatives.
A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Arcoro found that 94% of U.S. construction firms face hiring challenges. And nearly one-third of contractors reported having 11 or more unfilled craft positions as of June 2024, according to the AGC and Arcoro survey.
Labor shortages can drive up costs and delay projects, creating challenges for both operational and finance teams. Rising skilled labor costs and extended project timelines increase the pressure on finance teams to efficiently manage budgets and payments. Automation helps bridge this gap by streamlining repetitive tasks, allowing finance teams to focus on higher-value activities like keeping projects financially and operationally on track.
Interest and Mortgage Rate Trends
Presidential transitions often shape monetary policies, including decisions on interest rate adjustments. Those fluctuations directly impact borrowing costs, investment returns, and financial planning in the construction, real estate, and community association management industries.
While experts predict mortgage rates could decrease in 2025, according to CBS News, the current volatility underscores the need for digital tools that help manage project costs, demand, and cash flow to better navigate project timelines, maintain profitability, and ensure operational stability.
AP automation enables construction, real estate, and community association management finance teams to navigate fluctuating interest rates by providing near real-time cash flow visibility, optimizing payment timing, and controlling costs.
Compliance Requirements
Newly elected officials often implement tax code adjustments, compliance mandates, and revised reporting standards. These changes can significantly impact financial operations, requiring finance leaders to adapt quickly to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
According to AvidXchange’s 2025 trends survey, 52% of leaders recognize the role automation plays in improving compliance and accuracy. With regulation and reporting becoming more complex, automated workflows can help ensure accuracy and reduce errors.
Affordable Housing and Community Development
The U.S. faces a housing shortage of over 4.5 million homes, according to Zillow, creating an urgent need for affordable housing initiatives that depend on effective financial management. Election outcomes shape subsidies, tax incentives, and funding – which directly impact these projects.
As presidential leadership and policies change, potentially introducing new programs, finance teams need tools that provide visibility into accurate finance tracking, management, and reporting to streamline operations and support housing development.
Staying Ahead in a Shifting Landscape
With a presidential leadership transition, finance teams in construction, real estate, and community association management industries should prepare for potential regulatory, economic, and workforce changes. The ability to adapt quickly and efficiently is important to maintaining stability and driving growth.
By leveraging digital tools like AP automation, finance leaders can better manage uncertainty, streamline operations, and enhance visibility across financial workflows. Automation empowers teams to stay agile, strengthen supplier relationships, and optimize cash flow – ensuring they are ready to tackle project delays, labor shortages, and shifting interest rates.
Regardless of policy changes, adopting technology that improves efficiency and accuracy helps finance teams adapt, driving long-term resilience and business success in an uncertain market.