As New Hampshire faces rising affordability challenges and intensifying competition for talent, Stay Work Play New Hampshire has released its 2026 Policy Report, detailing the organization’s advocacy at the State House and the policies it advanced to better support young people across the state.

The report captures both progress and priority — highlighting key legislative wins, ongoing challenges, and the policy direction needed to ensure New Hampshire remains competitive in attracting and retaining the next generation of its workforce.

Grounded in direct input from young Granite Staters and informed by statewide engagement and data, the report reflects how lived experience is actively shaping policy conversations at the State House.

“This report shows what it looks like to translate the experiences of young people into real policy action,” said Corinne Breton-Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH. “We’re seeing momentum in key areas, and at the same time, it’s clear how much more work there is to do to make New Hampshire a place where young people can build their futures.”

Advancing Future-Focused Policy at the State House

The 2026 Policy Report outlines Stay Work Play’s role as a nonpartisan, issue-based advocate, actively engaging in legislation that impacts the state’s workforce pipeline and long-term economic vitality.

Throughout the session, Stay Work Play took positions on legislation connected to:

• Housing availability and affordability

• Childcare access and workforce participation

• Early-career pathways and graduate retention

• Community vibrancy, belonging, and quality of place

These positions are informed by the organization’s 2025 Quality of Life Index, along with ongoing listening sessions and engagement with young people, employers, and community leaders across New Hampshire.

Key Policy Areas and Legislative Highlights

Housing: Protecting Progress and Expanding Opportunity

Housing remained a central focus of the 2026 session, with Stay Work Play both defending recent progress and advancing solutions to increase supply.

The organization opposed efforts to roll back pro-housing policy, including:

• HB 1196, which repeals the state’s Housing Champion program — a key incentive for municipalities to support housing development

At the same time, Stay Work Play supported policies that expand access and create new pathways to homeownership, including:

• HB 1357, which advances manufactured housing as a more attainable entry point into the market

Why this matters: For many young people, housing remains the single greatest barrier to staying in New Hampshire. Policies that increase supply and protect progress are essential to creating real options across the state. 

Childcare: Building Workforce Infrastructure

Childcare emerged as one of the clearest areas of momentum this session, with growing recognition of its role in supporting workforce participation.

Stay Work Play advanced several key policies, including:

• HB 1195, modernizing zoning requirements to make it easier for childcare providers to open and expand

• HB 1433, establishing a childcare tax credit for business to help offset obstacles for families

• SB 483, supporting workforce grant funding to help childcare providers recruit and retain staff

Why this matters: Access to childcare directly impacts whether young parents can work, grow their careers, and remain in New Hampshire. These policies help strengthen both the workforce and the broader economy.

Workforce Retention: Connecting Education to Opportunity

To address the loss of young talent post-graduation, Stay Work Play supported efforts to strengthen early-career pathways, including:

• HB 1701, reestablishing the New Hampshire College Graduate Retention Incentive Partnership Program

Why this matters: Retaining young talent is critical to New Hampshire’s long-term economic sustainability. Creating clear pathways from education to employment helps keep graduates rooted in the state.

Thriving Communities: Investing in Belonging and Vibrancy

Recognizing that people choose places based on more than cost alone, Stay Work Play supported policies that contribute to community life and cultural vibrancy, including:

• SB 522, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in strengthening local economies and community identity

Why this matters: A strong sense of place — including arts, culture, and community connection — plays a major role in whether young people choose to stay long term.

A Clear Signal: Young Voices Are Shaping Policy

At the center of the report is a clear takeaway: young people are actively influencing the direction of policy in New Hampshire.

As the state continues to navigate workforce challenges and demographic shifts, aligning policy with the realities and priorities of young residents is increasingly essential.

“Future-focused policy only works if it reflects the people it’s meant to serve,” Breton-Benfield said. “Young Granite Staters are shaping the trajectory of this state in real time — through where they choose to live, work, and build community. When we bring those perspectives into the policy conversation, we’re not just responding to challenges — we’re designing a stronger, more competitive future for New Hampshire.”