Jacob Favolise | Oppose HB1196

Members of the Committee on Housing: I write in opposition to HB 1196, which seeks to repeal the Housing Champions designation program and its associated funding. New Hampshire residents consistently identify housing as the number one issue facing our state. While some communities have continued to dig in on outdated zoning codes, development restrictions, and anti-housing policies and procedures, towns and cities like Keene have embraced zoning reform in order to increase the supply of diverse housing stock for young professionals, families, and retirees. That latter category of municipalities, who have addressed the issue of housing head-on, deserve the recognition and state financial support that comes with it; without support from the state, our communities will become more unaffordable, our workforce will become smaller and less diverse, and we will be, essentially, a gated retirement community. I urge rejection of this bill. Respectfully, Jacob Favolise Ward One Councilor