Press Release: Rhode Island Struggles with Slow Housing Growth
PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island ranks among the bottom three states in the nation for new housing construction, according to data released by the US Census Bureau. With a mere 0.2 percent year-over-year increase in housing units, the Ocean State was positioned 49th, only surpassing Illinois and Hawaii, which saw similarly sluggish growth.
In stark contrast, Idaho led the nation with a 2.2 percent increase, followed by Utah at 2 percent and North Carolina at 1.9 percent. Neighboring states in New England also showed modest growth, with Massachusetts at 43rd (0.4 percent), Connecticut at 41st (0.5 percent), and New Hampshire at 30th (0.6 percent).
The Census Bureau estimated that Rhode Island added only 922 housing units over the past year, ramping up the total to 488,030. This aligns closely with the state Department of Housing’s annual report, which highlighted the pressing need for enhanced housing development. Nick Freeman, the department’s interim chief of staff, emphasized that the data reinforces the objectives outlined in the state’s Housing 2030 plan, which aims to bolster production goals and navigate regulatory hurdles.
Governor Dan McKee has set an ambitious target of adding 15,000 new homes by 2030, nearly double the growth achieved from 2019 to 2023. Despite this optimistic outlook, advocates argue that 24,000 additional units are necessary to fully address the state’s affordability crisis.
Efforts to stimulate development include the enactment of nearly 50 new housing laws over the past four years, including significant regulatory reforms. Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi acknowledged the urgency of the housing crisis while noting that prolonged restrictions have hindered progress.
While recent data reveals challenges, Shekarchi pointed to a 70 percent increase in building permits issued in 2023, signaling a potential turnaround in the housing landscape.
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