Sinehan Kerman

As a New Hampshire resident, I strongly support HB 1764 because it directly addresses one of the most urgent challenges facing our state: the shortage of workforce housing. Across New Hampshire, working people are being priced out of the communities they serve. This isn’t just a housing issue; it’s an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a community stability issue. When people can’t afford to live where they work, local businesses struggle to hire, schools lose staff, and towns lose the diversity and vitality that make them thrive. HB 1764 takes a practical, statewide approach to this problem. The reporting and accountability measures ensure that this issue can no longer be ignored or indefinitely deferred. This bill encourages municipalities to be part of the solution and provides tools to help them succeed. Communities that meet their housing needs are not penalized, while those that consistently fail to do so are asked to contribute financially to addressing the statewide shortage, which is a fair and reasonable approach. New Hampshire’s reliance on property taxes and local control has made housing scarcity worse, not better. HB 1764 acknowledges that reality and offers a balanced response that respects local differences while recognizing statewide consequences. For the long-term health of our economy, our communities, and our workforce, I urge legislators to support HB 1764.