New Hampshire's housing crisis took center stage during the House Session on January 9, 2025, as Governor Chris Sununu urged immediate action to address the state's growing challenges. "While things are great today, tomorrow holds real challenges for our state," he stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to housing production.

The governor highlighted the impact of the housing shortage on various demographics, from young families seeking their first homes to retirees wanting to remain in their communities. "Our young people aren't going to stay here if they can't afford to," he warned, stressing the urgency of the situation.

To combat the crisis, Sununu proposed streamlining agency approvals and fostering partnerships between state and local governments, as well as the private sector. He cited successful projects like the 52-unit workforce housing initiative in Rochester and the repurposing of the old Brown Elementary School in Berlin as examples of collaborative efforts that can serve as models for future developments.

The governor called for a significant overhaul of the approval process, aiming for a maximum of 60 days for project approvals to eliminate unnecessary delays. "We need to make the process as frictionless as possible," he asserted, underscoring the importance of swift action to ensure that beneficial projects are not stalled by red tape.

As New Hampshire strives to maintain its status as an economic beacon in New England, the governor's call to action signals a pivotal moment in addressing the housing crisis that affects the state's future.