After the kick-off discussion, RKG will conduct a tour of
the City and its neighborhoods.
Task 1.4.4 Stakeholder Interviews
During the project initiation meeting/site visit, RKG
will work with the City to set up a series of in-person
interviews with local housing experts. Over the
years, we have learned that the most effective way to
begin to understand a community is through candid
one-on-one interviews with business and property
owners, affordable housing agencies (public and non-
profit), developers (market rate and affordable), major
employers, community leaders, stakeholders, and
citizens. It is important to conduct these interviews
at the beginning of the process to help frame the data
collection efforts and provide local context to tell the
qualitative side of Nashua’s housing story. Interview
topics may include:
» Local and regional residential market trends;
» Recent construction trends and their impact on the
residential market;
» Real estate pricing, occupancy levels and
absorption trends;
» Regional and local business climate;
» Regulatory environment for new development
(e.g., zoning, approval processes, etc.);
» Perspective on unmet affordable housing needs
and gaps in the community;
» Perceived biggest barriers to building modest and
affordable housing;
» Input on the types of incentives and programs that
would lead to largest increases in affordable units;
and
» Potential funding sources and tax incentive
programs.
RKG Associates
APPROACH
Task 1.2 Demographic and Economic Data
Analysis
Task 1.2.1. Demographic Baseline
RKG will collect and analyze demographic data for the
City to better understand how changes in population
and household characteristics are impacting housing
choice and availability. Data collection will include, but
is not limited to, population trends, age composition,
changes in race and ethnicity, educational attainment,
household composition, household income, and
measures of cost-burdening of existing households.
RKG will also review projections for population and
household change over time to use as an input for future
housing demand.
Task 1.2.2. Economic Baseline
Akey component of assessing the housing market and
its affordability is assessing the economic conditions
in the community. Wages can be directly correlated
to housing affordability and cost-burdening, and
understanding the strength and growth of industry
sectors can help predict the housing needs of residents
going forward. RKG will review changes in employment
sectors and wages, and compare those to the cost
of housing in Nashua. RKG will also supplement
quantitative data with interviews with major employers
to understand what needs exist with employees and
how partnerships with local employers could benefit
residents and the City.
