Select Board hears plan to use state HOP grant to support housing planning and zoning updates

The Select Board heard from planning representatives that the town successfully applied for a state HOP (Housing Opportunity Program) grant under the Invest in New Hampshire program. Presenters said the award is fully state-funded and includes a modest allocation for town administration costs to support outreach, materials and technical assistance.

Why it matters: The planning board and staff intend to use grant resources to broaden public conversation about housing choices, examine potential revisions to the workforce-housing ordinance and consider land-development regulation tweaks that could later be brought to town meeting. The presenters said the process would mirror community conversations held last fall and could culminate in zoning-change warrant language for Town Meeting 2026 if planning and public engagement progress in that direction.

Details: presenters described the grant as 100% state money with a small administrative allowance (a speaker referenced “$800 or so” for town admin costs). Committee members discussed potential uses including drafting materials for public meetings, testing options such as the farmstead/cluster alternatives used in other towns, and coordinating smaller working groups and conservation-commission input. The board discussed reporting and reimbursement procedures: the town will complete regular grant reporting to the Invest in New Hampshire program as part of reimbursement and the town’s usual contracting and signature process.

Funding source questions: Board members asked whether the HOP funds derive from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) or general state funds. Presenters said some early Invest in New Hampshire funding rounds used ARPA and that ARPA contract dedication deadlines applied; they noted they were not certain of the precise mix of sources for this round and said the program documentation would be shared with board members.

Administrative steps: staff said the grant contract had arrived and needs a town signature; the signing and reporting process will be performed with a light administrative footprint and the town will receive reporting templates from Invest in New Hampshire for reimbursement.

Ending: Board members asked staff to circulate the grant award language and the contract to the Select Board so members can confirm details before signing; the planning group will schedule public outreach meetings over the summer if the Select Board supports moving forward.