February 2024
Staying Focused on What Matters: Navigating Change for a Stronger New Hampshire
Are the needs of everyday Granite Staters getting lost in the tide of chaotic change? We need to keep asking questions. How are these changes making our housing, healthcare and other daily purchases more affordable? Do these changes keep our children safe and healthy? How do they provide families and small businesses with more choices and options for growth? Do the changes strengthen our workforce and our economy? Do they make New Hampshire a great place to live?
In this edition of the NH Possible newsletter, we emphasize ways in which we can stay focused on the critical issues facing our state and help innovate at the local level. New Hampshire has a track record of creating and implementing practical solutions. And we are still a place where respectful conversations are possible.
What’s inside this edition:
Civic Engagement and Local Solutions: The NH Possible initiative emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to find local solutions to pressing issues. NH Possible partner organizations are leading the charge.
Affordable Housing Innovations: Highlighting successful projects like the Cottages at Back River Road, which address the affordable housing crisis while supporting workforce stability, NH residents are urged to support more affordable housing development that can attract talent and fuel our economy.
Improving Healthcare Access: Collaborative efforts through organizations like the NH Health Cost Initiative, HealthForce NH, and the Foundation for Healthy Communities, are focused on addressing rising healthcare costs and workforce shortages, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Granite Staters.
Civic Engagement and Local Solutions
Creating the kinds of communities we want to live in can be slow, steady and sometimes frustrating work. Yet, our recent public opinion research found broad agreement among Granite Staters of all political stripes on the need to focus on real solutions that reflect our realities and values.
A majority of us believe that New Hampshire is more productive and more successful when everyone can belong. That same majority strives to have difficult, and hopefully productive, conversations with their neighbors – honestly and respectfully.
New Hampshire residents know how to come together to solve problems. Though we may have differing perspectives, we know how to move past our disagreements to get things done. Here in New Hampshire, we’ve been doing just that for nearly 250 years. Moving forward, we’re highlighting ways to come together and focus on the things we can all agree on – like building a thriving economy and having a say in how our communities are run. We all deserve optimal health, a good education, and financial security.
Affordable Housing Innovations
A home is central to our well-being and ability to thrive. It provides shelter, security, and a space to build our lives—enabling us to pursue educational and professional goals. In New Hampshire, however, too many residents are struggling with the rising costs of housing, leaving many unable to find affordable, secure homes.
The lack of affordable housing in New Hampshire is a growing crisis. High rental prices, limited availability, and fierce competition are making it difficult for Granite Staters to meet their housing needs. New Hampshire Housing estimates the state will need an additional 90,000 housing units in the coming years to keep up with demand. New Hampshire employers frequently cite the lack of affordable housing and childcare as major barriers to hiring and retaining workers, impacting both individuals and the state’s economy. To ensure economic growth and prosperity, it’s essential to expand housing opportunities for all income levels and at all stages of life.
In the face of this challenge, New Hampshire business owners John and Maggie Randolph have created an innovative housing solution that serves as a model for the state and the nation.
In Dover, the Randolphs constructed a neighborhood of 44 tiny homes. The community features a traditional pocket neighborhood design, with homes arranged around a green space. Each home is equipped with a front porch, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages neighborly interaction. “We really want the design to promote a sense of community,” said Maggie Randolph.
Improving Healthcare Access
Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in order to thrive. Unfortunately, New Hampshire residents are increasingly feeling the burden of rising healthcare costs, leading to tough decisions when resources are limited.
Healthcare providers across the state, from hospitals to community health centers, face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled employees, which strains the healthcare system and contributes to rising costs and a lack of accessibility. New Hampshire employers also struggle to offer meaningful health benefits, as health premiums and deductibles continue to climb.
In response, three organizations are working to engage communities, residents, employers, and other stakeholders to find solutions and improve healthcare access and affordability in the Granite State.
News
NH Business Review - January 2025
NH Business Review - January 2025
Manchester Ink Link - February 2025
New Hampshire Bulletin - February 2025
Resources
NH Fiscal Policy Institute - February 2025
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Tell Your Story
Healthcare and Housing
Personal stories help to shine light on real experiences of everyday Granite Staters. These powerful stories can play an important role in efforts to catalyze positive systems and policy changes. How have you been impacted by challenges with healthcare and/or housing? You can use our Tell Your Story form to share your experience and join with other voices calling for change.
Health and Well-Being for All...
An Economy that Works for Everyone...
Engaged and Inclusive Communities...
It’s all possible.
