Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action New Hampshire, highlighted critical discussions surrounding the 79 e program during a recent House Committee on Housing meeting. Taylor addressed the complexities of income verification in relation to housing affordability, noting that different municipalities utilize varying metrics, such as HUD's fair market rate and area median income, to assess affordability.

Taylor emphasized that while these metrics are similar, they measure different aspects—HUD's fair market rate focuses on rental units, whereas area median income pertains to individual earnings. He argued that relying on unit prices rather than individual income for housing qualifications could alleviate challenges for residents, particularly those whose earnings fluctuate. "It can disincentivize work when folks are doing well," he stated, advocating for a more flexible approach that could extend eligibility beyond a year to accommodate life changes.

The discussion also touched on the use of the 79 e program, with Taylor noting that many communities prefer the community redevelopment section over the housing opportunity zone element, which remains relatively new. The committee concluded the public hearing without further questions, and discussions shifted to other bills under consideration, with plans to reconvene shortly for further deliberations.