During a recent Laconia city council meeting, significant discussions centered around the controversial \"housing champion\" status and its implications for local housing initiatives. Councilor Sissi expressed concerns regarding the seriousness of the situation, referencing an article by Dr. Shavik that highlighted the issue's importance to residents. In response, three state representatives, including Charlie St. Clair and Mike Bordes, sent a letter to the CEO voicing similar concerns about the local hospital's situation.

The meeting also featured public comments, with resident Bill Millner opposing the housing champion status. He noted confusion among residents regarding the distinction between housing champion and workforce housing, emphasizing that the demand for the housing champion designation appears low. Millner pointed out that, despite the program being initiated in July 2023, no municipalities had yet received the status, as the application period does not close until November 15.

Another resident, Matt Cashman, echoed Millner's sentiments, expressing a lack of confidence in the housing champion initiative and suggesting that the council should take a step back to reassess the need for such a designation. He highlighted that over 200 signatures had been gathered in opposition to the housing champion status, urging the council to reconsider the decision.

Tom Siegel, another attendee, reinforced the call for caution, questioning the necessity of the designation and advocating for a focus on updating the city’s master plan before making significant changes to housing ordinances. He emphasized the importance of creating affordable housing that the community can take pride in, rather than hastily pursuing a designation that may not yield clear benefits.

The discussions reflect a growing concern among residents about the direction of housing policy in Laconia, with calls for more transparency and a thorough evaluation of the proposed housing champion status before proceeding. The council's next steps remain uncertain as they navigate these complex issues.