The Housing Element is distinct from the other elements as it is subject to detailed legal requirements regarding its content, particularly its policies and programs. The Housing Element is required, by state law, to be updated every five years, and must be reviewed and certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development. This requirement is symbolic of the state’s recognition that the availability of meaningful housing opportunities is critical to the community’s well-being and that cooperation between government and the private sector is important to the attainment of the state’s housing goals.
State law requires the Town to adequately plan to meet existing and projected housing needs, including its fair share of the regional demand. The state sees the Housing Element as part of its market-based strategy to increase the housing supply at all levels of income. In this element, the Town has identified some unique ways to meet the community’s goals while maintaining the integrity of the Town.