In 2023, all nine RPCs completed a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which is a tool to assist the region’s communities in developing local master plans and to serve as a data resource for municipalities, nonprofit housing and social services organizations, developers, and other stakeholders.
 resized_ccexpress.jpeg?t=202606191020030)
2023 Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The 2023 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a composite of data collected about the housing trends of the Nashua Region, which can be used as a resource for the local communities within the area. The entire assessment provides in depth analysis on different housing alternatives, as well as identifying key demographics for the Nashua Region. The RHNA discovered a handful of major issues facing the New Hampshire housing market. The primary finding of the assessment is the decline in the amount of available, affordable housing for New Hampshire residents. For the housing market to return to a healthy balance and accommodate population growth trends, the Nashua Region needs to gain 9,338 housing units. To support this growth model and more affordable housing, the NRPC has listed a variety of housing alternatives that support cheaper housing, as well as development that is relevant to the region’s character.
The New Hampshire Housing Toolbox compiles and describes many of the tools available to New Hampshire cities and towns to produce more housing, especially more housing that is aligned with community needs. Government officials and local housing advocates can use this toolbox to learn what tools might be right for their community, quickly understand how the tools can be used, and know where to look for detailed information and precedents. Some of these tools are broad approaches to development that municipalities can think about, while others are specific regulations or programs that municipalities can implement.
NH Housing Toolbox
Resource Links by Topic
Housing Alternatives
Technical Definition: a residential living unit that is located on a lot containing a single-family dwelling that provides independent living facilities for one or more people, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, on the same parcel of land as the principal dwelling unit it accompanies.
What This Means: As of June 1, 2025, in New Hampshire, accessory dwelling units are now allowed by right on all lots that permit single-family dwellings. They can either be attached (basement, attached garage) or detached (detached garage, separate building). This can be a successful avenue for alternative housing for both homeowners and for renters. It is important to note that local zoning ordinances may vary in what is permitted, please visit your local zoning regulations to view those requirements.
Helpful Links: https://www.nhmunicipal.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Guidance_Documents/adus_guidance_revised.pdf
https://www.nhhfa.org/housing-challenges-solutions/accessory-dwelling-units/
Technical Definition: A type of alternative housing that is a combination of residential use with retail, commercial, or cultural use.
What This Means: Mixed-use housing provides an avenue for municipalities to diversify their downtown areas, utilize innovative housing techniques, and encourage development. Effective July 1, 2026, New Hampshire municipalities must allow residential development in their commercial zones. However, municipalities may designate the entire first floor or a portion of it for retail use.
Helpful Links: https://www.nhmunicipal.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Guidance_Documents/guidance_planning_zoning_2025.pdf
Technical Definition: A group of small issues built together around some type of community space.
What This Means: Cottage courts or tiny home parks are seen as a solution to the missing “middle housing” referenced in the RHNA. They provide alternative housing to individuals who cannot afford a larger home, while providing the comfort of being a separate housing unit unlike an apartment. This is a successful solution for individuals who are trying to downsize their home or who are looking to purchase their first home.
Helpful Links: https://keenenh.gov/project/cottagecourt/
Technical Definition: A type of subdivision that allows for the creation of smaller lots that do not comply with local housing density requirements because a larger portion of the subdivision is designated for conservation.
What This Means: This allows for development of larger lots that have a significant number of unbuildable areas. It creates smaller lots and incentivizes homeowners, developers, and municipalities to help create more affordable housing. In addition to supporting more housing, these developments provide an opportunity to protect and conserve land for the town
Helpful Links: https://www.nheconomy.com/getmedia/69aa546e-55f2-4eb6-8dcf-559ceb84125e/NH-Housing-Toolbox-Trainings-Cluster-Housing.pdf
Technical Definition: Workforce Housing refers to permanent housing that provides stable living for the average working household, both renters and owners. Workforce housing can include subsidized and affordable housing as well as market-rate and mixed-income housing in the form of starter homes, townhouses, apartments, and even accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Visit the links down below for specifics on Workforce Housing in New Hampshire.
What This Means: Work force housing provides municipalities with the opportunity to create local regulations that support affordable rent for their citizens. It can allow local towns to diversify their workforce by providing wider variety of housing options and it is a successful example of a housing alternative.
Helpful Links: https://www.nhhfa.org/housing-challenges-solutions/workforce-housing/