Sarah Harpster | Support HB604

I have been a resident of Keene for over 18 years and actively engaged in the community throughout this time. Our community is burdened by the lack of affordable housing stock and the soaring cost of housing relative to incomes when it is available. Meanwhile, lower income homeowners struggle to build wealth from their assets as the burden of property taxes, the primary source of government revenue in our income and sales tax-free state, may often outpace their ability to invest in upkeep for their property. This bill is a common-sense approach to several related issues, increasing the number of affordable housing units within areas that are already populated and closer to services, while at the same time offering the opportunity for lower income homeowners to invest in and improve their properties and realize a return on their assets. If this program is implemented and well-managed, it will increase stability and well-being for families and communities across the state.