Young Leaders Deliver Housing Wins, Advocates Call for Investments to Match

CONCORD – 603 Forward and New Hampshire Youth Movement celebrate the signing of three major housing bills – HB 631, HB 577, and SB 284 – into law as a step toward easing the state’s worsening housing shortage. These new laws modernize local zoning policies by enabling more homes near jobs and transit, reforming outdated parking requirements, and expanding the ability to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across the state.

These policy changes will help propel New Hampshire into the future and begin to address an issue affecting every single Granite Stater. While these changes lay important groundwork for long-term progress, both organizations emphasize that zoning reform alone won’t solve the crisis. Without real investment from the state, too many working families, young people, and seniors will continue to be priced out of their communities. 

“These new laws are a meaningful step forward, and it’s exciting to see them championed by young leaders who understand the urgency of the housing shortage,” said Matt Mooshian, Program Director at 603 Forward. “Zoning reform is a critical tool, but we need the full toolbox, and that means pairing smart policy with serious investment.”

Despite broad, bipartisan consensus that housing is one of New Hampshire’s most urgent challenges, the state budget signed earlier this month failed to include any new investment in housing. That contradiction is especially glaring given Governor Ayotte’s call for an “all-of-the-above approach” to solving the crisis.

“If we’re truly taking an all-of-the-above approach, that has to include actual dollars,” continued Mooshian. “Leadership isn’t just about saying the right things, it’s about showing up with the resources communities need.”

“These policies are a great first step in addressing the housing shortage in New Hampshire, especially when it comes to allowing for small homes to be more easily built, perfect for young people starting out on their own. However, the housing shortage is a multifaceted issue and cannot be fixed by policy alone. If we want to fully ensure that young people, young families, and anyone who wants to make a home here can, we need investment from our state. Kelly Ayotte needs to put Granite Staters first by investing in affordable housing instead of giving large corporations tax breaks,” added Grace Murray, Political Director at New Hampshire Youth Movement. 

Young people didn’t just speak up about this issue, they led. These policy wins  reflect the hard work of a new generation of leaders who are stepping up with real solutions. 603 Forward and New Hampshire Youth Movement look forward to their continued work alongside partners and policymakers to advance bold, comprehensive action on housing.

Both organizations remain committed to pushing for a comprehensive approach to housing: one that combines smart policy, meaningful investment, and community-driven solutions to ensure New Hampshire remains a place where everyone can afford to live.

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603 Forward envisions a thriving New Hampshire where people are free to live, work and raise a family. In our New Hampshire: democracy is protected above all else; young people have a voice in government at all levels; and policy changes to help build an inclusive, affordable and resilient state.

NH Youth Movement is a movement of young people working to transform the New Hampshire political system so it serves and is led by the people it has left behind. By engaging youth across the state, we can support our communities, and confront systems that divide us as we fight for collective liberation.