The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) on Monday (3/9) recognized the town as a Housing Champion, highlighting its efforts to expand housing opportunities through local planning initiatives and collaborative partnerships.
The designation is part of BEA’s InvestNH program, which recognizes municipalities that have taken steps to support housing development. Plymouth was selected for actions that increase housing availability while aligning with local planning goals and preserving community character.
Ten communities received the Housing Champion designation this year for implementing policies related to land use, zoning, and permitting that encourage housing growth; 18 were recognized in 18 communities last year.
“Communities like Plymouth demonstrate how local planning decisions can make a real difference in expanding housing opportunities,” said Andrew Dorsett, director of the Office of Housing and Infrastructure Development. “By taking proactive steps, they help ensure New Hampshire can meet the housing needs of residents and employers alike.”
Through the Housing Champions initiative, BEA has awarded $5 million in grants statewide supporting the development of approximately 2,700 housing units. Housing production grants helped complete roughly 400 units, while infrastructure improvement grants are supporting projects expected to enable an additional 2,300 units.
Launched in 2023, the Housing Champions program is part of the state’s broader effort to work with municipalities on solutions to housing challenges. Since its creation in 2022, InvestNH has helped support nearly 5,000 housing units and has provided technical assistance to more than 70 municipalities statewide.