Housing is an important issue, it helps determines the longevity and sustainability of our region and its economic development. In New Hampshire and throughout the country, available housing is scarce, putting a strain on working families and preventing businesses from recruiting and retaining workers.

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, CNHRPC addressed housing issues head on as part of its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). This project takes an look in-depth at the housing needs of our Region across all income levels. The document provides a foundation for change by including tools, recommendations, and strategies for local decision makers to address this problem in their communities. Each of the eight other regional planning commissions across the state have completed this project with common strategies and outlines for each plan.

The CNHRPC Regional Housing Needs Assessment (2023) can be downloaded here: CNHRPC RHNA

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a state-mandated requirement for all nine regional planning commissions in New Hampshire per RSA 36:47.II. The purpose of the RHNA is to assess “the regional need for housing for persons and families of all levels of income” every five years.  As CNHRPC gathers housing related information for the assessment in our region, we will also be coordinating with the other NH regional planning commissions and the NH Office of Planning and Development. Together we will leverage each other’s resources and advance a unified approach to determine housing needs across the State.

Please send any comments related to the CNHRPC Regional Housing Needs Assessment to Michael Tardiff (mtardiff@cnhrpc.org) or Stephanie Alexander (salexander@cnhrpc.org).

Project Details:

Funding by American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Grant

Started September 2021 — Ended March 2023

Partnering with NH Housing, the NH Office of Planning and Development, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, Southwest Regional Planning Commission, Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission, Rockingham Planning Commissions, North Country Council, NH Office of Planning and Development, Nashua Regional Planning Commission, and Lakes Region Planning Commission.