Gov. Ned Lamont’s biennial budget address on Wednesday sparked mixed reactions, with housing policy advocates like Open Communities Alliance (OCA) offering both recognition and suggestions for moving forward.
OCA, a Hartford-based nonprofit focused on advancing housing opportunities across Connecticut, commended Lamont for prioritizing the housing crisis, a major concern for residents statewide.
“We will continue investing $400 million per year in housing – workforce, affordable, supportive, and multi-family,” Lamont stated. “People want to live in Connecticut, and the only thing holding us back is a lack of housing. Last year, we built 70% more homes than eight years ago, and we will keep expanding our Time to Own program, which has already helped over 5,000 first-time homeowners – from Stafford Springs to Danbury – build wealth and invest in their communities.”
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Despite this progress, the housing crisis persists. OCA Executive Director Erin Boggs emphasized the need for zoning reform to address ongoing challenges. She argued that outdated zoning laws are obstructing home construction and economic growth.
“People want to live in Connecticut, but outdated zoning laws are holding back home construction and hindering economic growth,” Boggs said. “If we reform these policies, we can not only address the housing shortage but also give the state’s economy a much-needed boost, with local towns leading the charge.”
A study by ECOnorthwest shows that Connecticut’s housing market is one of the most constrained in the nation, with a vacancy rate of just 7%, well below the national average of 11%. Experts estimate the state needs at least 110,000 more housing units to meet demand. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, home values have surged by 60% and rents have increased by 40% to 50%, according to the study. The state also faces a shortage of more than 98,000 affordable rental units, and homelessness continues to rise.
Housing Policy Think Tank Responds to Lamont’s Budget Address, Urging Zoning Reform To Tackle Housing Crisis, Karla Ciaglo, CT News Junkie, February 6, 2025, available here