Concord, NH – Yesterday, the House Housing Committee voted 10 – 8 to pass House Bill 1196, which would repeal the bipartisan Housing Champions Program. The Housing Champions Program is an incentive-based program that rewards pro-housing communities. As of January 2026, there are over 25 Housing Champion communities.

After the vote, Housing Action NH Director Nick Taylor released the following statement:

“The Committee vote to repeal the Housing Champions program is deeply disappointing. The Housing Champions program is already delivering results: more than 25 communities have earned designation, municipalities are updating their regulations to allow for more housing, and communities are using these incentives to modernize water, sewer, and safety infrastructure that directly supports new homes. Repealing this program undermines that progress and undermines the partnership between the state and local communities to address this critical issue.”

Background:

The Housing Champions Program was originally developed as part of Governor Sununu’s Housing Task Force in 2019, before being adopted in the bipartisan 2023 State Budget. The FY 26-27 State Budget did not reauthorize grant funding for the Housing Champions Program, but left the existing language in law, which included additional incentives for Housing Champions communities.. 

Housing Champion Communities:

Boscawen, Concord, Derry, Dover, Enfield, Farmington, Gorham, Hampton , Hillsborough, Hinsdale, Hooksett, Jaffrey, Keene, Lebanon, Lincoln, Manchester, Meredith, Nashua, New London, Newmarket, Newport, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester, Rye, Salem, and Somersworth.

Municipal Infrastructure Grant – $3.5M Awarded: Seven municipalities received funding to implement critical infrastructure improvements that directly support housing creation. Projects include upgrades to sewer, water, electrical, and fire suppression systems.

Municipality Project Type Award Housing Impact Summary
Concord Sewer Upgrade $859,689 Adds capacity for future housing
Dover Water Main Upgrade $859,689 Supports infill in downtown/waterfront
Lebanon Site Improvements $158,805 5 new affordable single-family homes
Manchester Fire/Electric $116,753 Doubles capacity to 30 affordable units
Newport Sewer Feasibility $234,375 Lays groundwork for future housing
Rochester Sewer/Water $411,000 120 senior units downtown
Salem Water System $859,689 Supports 10-unit development + 50–75 unit redevelopment

 

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Housing Action NH works to improve state and federal policy so everyone in New Hampshire has a place to call home.