Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action New Hampshire, made a strong case for the 79 E program during a recent House Committee on Housing meeting, emphasizing the need for flexibility in housing policies. Taylor highlighted the differences between municipalities that utilize HUD's fair market rate and those that rely on area median income for affordability measures. He argued that focusing on unit pricing rather than individual income could better support residents, especially as income verification can be costly and challenging.

Taylor expressed support for extending the 79 E program's provisions indefinitely, suggesting that this would accommodate residents' changing circumstances over time. He noted that many communities currently favor the community redevelopment section of the 79 E program, which is designed for urban areas, rather than the newer housing opportunity zone element.

The committee meeting concluded with no further public testimony on House Bill 465, and the chair announced a brief recess to discuss additional bills. The committee aims to advance several key housing bills, including HB 383, 4509, 5707, and 685, in the near future.