While policymakers across the political spectrum agree that New Hampshire lacks sufficient housing—particularly affordable rental and workforce units—recent legislation has increasingly focused on state-level mandates rather than collaborative, community-driven solutions.
The paper traces the roots of the housing deficit back nearly two decades, outlining the economic, demographic, and market forces that fueled rising prices and constrained supply. NHMA notes that the statewide zoning mandates enacted in 2025 did little to address affordability and risk undermining the local decision‑making that is central to New Hampshire’s identity.
The paper advocates for renewed partnership between the state and municipalities, emphasizing that effective housing policy must include infrastructure investment, targeted incentives, and flexible, locally tailored tools. NHMA believes sustainable, fiscally responsible growth requires empowering communities to shape solutions that reflect their unique needs and capacities.