Home, Sweet Home: Do NOT lead with solutions
In recent weeks, I have had unrelated conversations with a couple of communities here in New Hampshire about the shortage of places to live in their towns.
Across the state and country, the reasons for low to no inventory are multiple and challenging. For new builds or even remodels to expand current units-per-building boil down to “The Five L’s” (thanks, George!): cost of Land, cost of Labor, cost of Lumber (and other materials), Loans, and then the Laws and regulations in the community.
Further, there are those who don’t see there is an issue, and there are those who believe it’s not their problem (or that of their town). Change is hard.
There are many communities who know there is an issue, but are not sure where to start.
And time and again we have seen well-meaning builders and even community leaders present what they believe is a solution to the “problem” – whether a development design, or a zoning change, or other solution – and it gets serious pushback from the community.
If you know this is an issue where you live (or work), tart with an exploratory program. How you shape it is critical, especially its flow. How your questions are framed, who is in the room, and information-gathering formats are all super important.
Start with not knowing – do not go into it with a solution in your head. That is your viewpoint – there are many others, with different lived experiences and needs. Aim to include all community members.
No matter where you are in your town regarding community conversations about creating more places to live, it’s really important to keep in mind:
Solutions should come from community members, in collaboration with leaders, builders and others.
For those solutions to be proposed, there needs to be a community-wide understanding of the issues, particularly who is affected, what the impacts are, what are the reasons more homes are not being built.
From that understanding, what does the community believe are the priorities regarding whose needs should be met and what kinds of places to live could fill those needs?
Everyone should be aware of different designs of homes that would fit and/or enhance the current look and feel of the community – beyond new subdivisions or many-unit complexes. What could work in your town?
Are your community members – those that live and/or work there – aware of what your local ordinances do allow, or not?
Are your community members distinguishing between myth and reality regarding expanding options for places to live (eg the myth that more homes will raise our taxes because more kids will be in our schools)
I highly recommend you start with How do we talk about housing? , published in November by New Hampshire Housing. Also check out their great resource list for further information you will probably need.
Also, have a chat with Plan NH to find out what funding might be available to support your journey.
Where we live shapes who we are – at all ages and stages of our lives. For a robust, healthy and vibrant state, we need choices (by location, design, price-point) in places to live within each phase.
What can YOU do to be part of a solution in your community?
