In response to increasing requests for assistance by municipalities to address difficulties in creating and adopting local inclusionary zoning ordinances, New Hampshire Housing has recognized an immediate need and an opportunity to help them create regulatory environments that are favorable to the development of affordable housing. 

The new Inclusionary Zoning Implementation Program (IZIP) provides direct grants of up to $9,000 to municipalities to help cities and towns develop and adopt inclusionary zoning ordinances.  Local governments will apply for the funding on a competitive basis, with application review and determination of successful applicants being made by a team composed of staff from New Hampshire Housing as well as peer and partner organizations.  In addition to the grant funds, New Hampshire Housing will also provide grant recipients with technical assistance in economic analysis of proposed inclusionary zoning ordinances and communications strategies to help the public understand the need for affordable workforce housing. 

The municipal work will be conducted by professional planning consultants chosen by the municipalities from among a list of consultants that have been previously qualified and trained.  The work product will be an ordinance ready for adoption and a campaign to educate the voters about the inclusionary zoning proposal. Ultimately, the goals of the program are to create a larger pool of professionals with experience in inclusionary zoning, and through its implementation in a variety of municipalities the program will provide a series of models.  These benefits will be important to the success of future inclusionary zoning efforts statewide.   

For more information, contact Ben Frost at bfrost@nhhfa.org or call (603) 310-9361.