MANCHESTER, NH – Will housing be the top priority for Manchester voters when they head to the polls for local elections this November? One group says it will be and points to the results of the recent primaries for that upcoming municipal election as proof.
Manchester Neighbors Welcome, a coalition effort convened by 603 Forward and the New Hampshire Youth Movement, pointed to the success of At-Large Aldermanic Candidate June Trisciani and Ward 1 Aldermanic Candidate Bryce Kaw-uh as examples of how important the issue of housing is for Manchester voters. Both Trisciani and Kaw-uh have experience leading the Manchester Planning Board and now Trisciani is a member of the Manchester Zoning Board. Trisciani was the top vote-getter among the six candidates in the At-Large race, earning 3,339 votes citywide. Kaw-uh was the top vote-getter in the Ward 1 race with 705 votes.
Manchester currently has an apartment vacancy rate of less than one percent and the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that 23,500 more housing units are needed statewide to meet current demand.
“Manchester families are feeling the squeeze of rising rents and limited housing options,” said Manchester Neighbors Welcome member Randall Neilsen. “(the Primary Day Election) results show that voters are ready to support candidates who acknowledge the crisis, but also have the experience and vision to solve it. June and Bryce are leaders in this space and their momentum speaks volumes.”
“The residents of Ward 1 know that it’s time to send the next generation of leadership to City Hall. They also know that no matter your political affiliation, I will work for you,” said Kaw-uh. “Even if we don’t agree on everything, I want to hear your ideas on how we can move our city forward. So join me in building a better Manchester. Let’s turn the page, together.”
“I’m committed to strengthening our communities through my work on zoning and housing here in Manchester, where I’ve led efforts to modernize our ordinances and expand housing options while preserving neighborhood character,” said Trisciani. “This work reflects the mission of building a stronger, more inclusive city where young people, families, and seniors alike can find affordable, modern housing and the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can ensure Manchester grows in a way that creates opportunity for the next generation while keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and connected.”