A fight within the National Association of Home Builders, one of the nation's largest trade groups, is coming to a head, and the outcome could refocus the industry's lobbying efforts at a critical time for the housing market.

Tensions between large and small builders have escalated in recent weeks over the trade group's position on a lucrative tax break sought by the large companies. Jerry Howard, the NAHB's longtime chief executive, and some small builders have raised concerns that the big builders would abuse the break, igniting a firestorm that could cost Mr. Howard his job.

Executives from some of the trade group's largest home-building companies are scheduled to meet Monday in Chicago with the NAHB leadership to discuss the possibility of ousting Mr. Howard, according to people familiar with the meeting. An NAHB spokesperson declined to comment.

Wall Street Journal