Housing is a hot issue. In NH and throughout the country, scarce available housing is putting a strain on working families and preventing businesses from recruiting and retaining workers. Impacts from the housing crisis are rippling through communities. Studying housing issues is a core-function of NH’s Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) and through 2022, each RPC will take on a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) aimed at addressing this issue. These updates are a function of RPCs per RSA 36:47.
This project, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Grant, and coordinated by NH Office of Planning and Development, will allow the RPCs to look in-depth at housing needs within each region and across income levels. The RHNAs will provide a foundation for change by including tools, recommendations, and strategies for local decision makers to address these issues in their communities
Community engagement will be critical for this project, and your local RPC is hoping to hear from you! Share how the housing challenge has impacted you personally, your business, or your community. Read below for more information on how to get involved.
Get Involved in the Process!
Housing is an important issue, and we know you have a story to tell! Participate in an online survey to share your successes and challenges when it comes to housing in your region, and help us create a framework for change. Each region has its own survey, so make sure to participate in the correct one. Not sure which planning region you’re in? View the map below which shows the different planning regions. Zoom in on the map to see town boundaries, to assist you in determining which region you’re located in. To help direct you to the correct region, we used colored icons that match the map.
Participate in Our Outreach Events
Each RPC will be holding its own outreach events in order to collect information from the general public and local and regional experts, such as planning boards, developers, social service agencies, property managers and more. Outreach strategies include surveys, one-one-one interviews, focus groups, and conversations on the topic of housing in your region. View each RPCs website, linked below, to learn more about the RHNA events going on in your region.