# 11.5.2026 Housing Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Housing Blue Ribbon Committee met on November 5, 2026. The committee discussed draft zoning changes concerning workforce housing and RSA 79-E tax incentives, including possible affordable-unit percentages, income limits, tax-relief terms, and criteria for evaluating public benefit. Members also considered allowing land donations or payments in lieu of required workforce units in additional districts. A motion to forward the proposed zoning amendments to the Planning Board passed, with one member opposed; the provisions remain proposals rather than adopted policy. No Portsmouth contract award or spending approval was made. The committee also agreed that the ADU handbook should be updated, while deferring preapproved ADU plans pending further information and discussion of housing needs and constraints.

Members discussed a possible home-sharing program and asked for further research before revisiting it at a future meeting, including whether to use an RFP and whether a regional approach would make sense. Bellingham, Washington’s reported arrangement with Nesterly was cited as a comparison: $55,000 annually for the first two years, with performance targets. This was not a Portsmouth procurement decision or commitment. The committee also approved the prior meeting minutes as amended and adjourned.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Sources
- [11.5.2026 Housing Committee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilhTnt56hiU) - City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire