HB1145

Dear Members of the Committee, I write in strong support of HB 1145, a commonsense and forward-thinking bill that gives municipalities a practical, locally controlled tool to address New Hampshire’s housing crisis. HB 1145 recognizes a reality we can no longer ignore: growth has impacts, and communities need reasonable, predictable mechanisms to ensure that new development contributes to the infrastructure and housing supply that makes growth sustainable. Affordable housing investment fees are not punitive—they are a responsible planning tool that helps communities keep pace with demand while protecting existing taxpayers from bearing disproportionate costs. New Hampshire’s housing shortage is now a workforce issue, an economic competitiveness issue, and a quality-of-life issue. Employers cannot hire. Young families cannot stay. Seniors cannot downsize. Municipal budgets are stretched thin. HB 1145 directly addresses these pressures by allowing communities—at their discretion—to reinvest in housing solutions that reflect local needs and local priorities. Importantly, HB 1145 respects New Hampshire’s tradition of local control. It does not mandate fees; it authorizes them. It empowers municipalities to design policies transparently, thoughtfully, and in alignment with local master plans and housing strategies. That flexibility is essential in a state where no two communities face the same challenges or market conditions. Without tools like those provided in HB 1145, the cost of growth is shifted onto existing residents through higher property taxes, strained services, and worsening housing scarcity. That is neither fair nor fiscally responsible. This bill helps rebalance that equation. HB 1145 is pro-housing, pro-local control, and pro-taxpayer. It is exactly the kind of measured, enabling legislation New Hampshire needs if we are serious about increasing housing supply and maintaining strong, livable communities. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to vote Ought to Pass on HB 1145. Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to addressing New Hampshire’s housing challenges. Respectfully, David Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17 New Hampshire House of Representatives

Position recorded without written comment.