Friday, February 7, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Laconia’s Housing Crisis: For Whom the Bell Tolls—Spoiler Alert: It’s Us
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report confirms what we already know—housing affordability is in crisis. But Laconia has a choice: Step up, adapt, and fix this—or get left behind (again).
The Hard Truth in the Numbers
The latest Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Multifamily MarketBeat Report lays it all out: Read the full report here:
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/us-marketbeats/us-multifamily-marketbeat
- Vacancy rates are up slightly, but don’t be fooled—demand for affordable housing is still outpacing supply.
- Rents are rising, even as the market shifts.
- New construction is slowing due to labor shortages and material costs, making the housing crisis even worse.
- First-time buyers & Workforce housing applicants are getting outbid, leaving locals struggling to stay in their own communities.
And here’s where it gets even more frustrating: Zoning restrictions are preventing Laconia from using simple solutions that could help—like ADUs.
Zoning & ADUs: A No-Brainer That’s Stuck in Red Tape
One of the fastest, smartest ways to add housing without massive developments is allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—converted garages, basement apartments, or backyard cottages.
They’re cost-effective.
They don’t require new land.
They help young professionals, seniors, and workforce members stay local.
And yet, Laconia’s zoning laws make it nearly impossible to build them.
Other NH towns fixed this problem years ago—some by easing restrictions, others by offering tax incentives to homeowners willing to add them. And guess what? It worked. More housing, more options, fewer people priced out.
Laconia? Still stuck in debate.
We have to ask ourselves—why are we actively making this harder on ourselves?
Meet the Person Who’s Actually Doing Something About It
Laconia just hired Joia Hughes as Director of Housing & Economic Development, and let’s be real—it takes guts to walk into this mess.
She didn’t take this job to sit in meetings all day. She’s here to fix what’s broken. But she needs more than just a job title—she needs real support from this community.
That means pushing for Housing Champion status so we actually get the grants and funding that 18 other NH towns have already taken advantage of.
That means drowning out the loudest voices that keep blocking progress—and demanding Laconia move forward.
Laconia, We’re at a Crossroads. Which Way Are We Going?
We can step up, support Joia, and push for real housing solutions before it’s too late.
Or we can keep doing nothing—and watch businesses struggle, families get priced out, and opportunities disappear.
The choice is ours.
Drop a comment and tell me what YOU think.
