The Short Version
We support policies that help Rhode Islanders build more homes.
The Long Version
Solving Rhode Island’s housing shortage will take time, but we can make abundant housing a reality in the Ocean State if we work together and ensure that every city and town does its part.
The key principles below guide our policy recommendations for increasing housing production and achieving a robust, sustainable housing market.
I. Build More Homes
The Problem: Rhode Island has the lowest homebuilding rate in the country per capita (around 0.29% growth per year). Competition for scarce inventory drives up prices.
Our Approach:
- Building more homes is the only long-term solution to our housing shortage.
- Increasing homebuilding to 1% annual growth will alleviate the shortage of homes.
- If every neighborhood changes a little, no one neighborhood will have to change a lot.
II. Put More Land In Play For Housing (Sustainably)
The Problem: Current zoning rules make adding homes illegal or require a lot of land for each new home, leading to expensive and unsustainable sprawl.
Our Approach:
- Allow new homes to be built on smaller lots, making better use of land and infrastructure.
- Make it easy to add granny flats and backyard cottages (ADUs) within the footprint of existing properties.
- Protect rural communities, forests and farmlands.
III. Lower the Cost of Building Homes
The Problem: The cost of construction has increased 40%+/- since the start of the pandemic. Rising costs drive up home prices across the board.
Our Approach:
- Allow new homes “by-right” to reduce permitting costs and delays.
- Adopt common sense building code reforms that lower costs while maintaining safety.
- Hire more building inspectors to speed up projects and improve safety.
- Grow the local residential construction industry by investing in trade education, supply chain improvements, and local builders.
IV. Lower the Cost to Operate Homes
The Problem: Double-digit increases in residential operating costs (taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) drive up rents and make it more difficult to build and maintain housing.
Our Approach:
- Reform tax laws to ensure fair assessments and rates that encourage residential development.
- Work with insurance companies and public utilities to lower operating costs.
V. Build Places That People Love
The Problem: Modern restrictions make it difficult to build the type of classic Rhode Island neighborhoods that people love. Lovable places are more likely to be cared for and endure, nourishing our families, communities, and the planet.
Our Approach:
- Build more homes in walkable neighborhoods, villages and mixed-use city centers.
- Foster a building culture that values beauty, placemaking, and good stewardship.
- Free up local planners to focus on increasing public resources and improving public spaces.
VI. Help Those Who Are Struggling
The Problem: Fixing Rhode Island’s housing shortage will be a long-term process. In the meantime, many of our neighbors are hurting financially and at risk of displacement.
Our Approach:
- Invest in rental assistance and foreclosure prevention resources.
- Increase the availability of deed-restricted affordable housing.
- Improve tenant protections.