Housing shortage
A severe housing shortage is repeatedly cited as a top challenge for Rhode Island’s next governor and for the 2026 budget and bond package. The governor proposed major infrastructure and housing-related bonding and investments intended to expand housing and homeownership alongside economic development.
How should Rhode Island address its severe housing shortage?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Hey Rhody / political experts Ted Nesi and Emily Lynch — https://heyrhody.com/stories/ris-next-governor-to-face-new-and-familiar-challenges,109822
Top concerns range from leadership and budget to a severe housing shortage, healthcare, infrastructure, and resources for an aging population.
Governor Dan McKee — https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-fiscal-year-2027-budget-advancing-key-affordability-all
2026 Budget puts more money back in Rhode Islanders' pockets, keeps Rhode Island building with a historic bond proposal, Housing and Homeownership ($120
Governor Dan McKee — https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y9qUtXjTrn0
Governor Dan McKee announced a $600 million budget proposal to build or expand critical infrastructure to support economic development, education, and housing
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Large public investment and bonds for affordable and social housing plus strong tenant protections and zoning reform
- Significant state bonding and subsidies for affordable housing and homeownership while streamlining local approvals
- Mix of targeted housing bonds, public-private partnerships, and moderate zoning changes
- Focus on homeownership incentives and reducing regulatory barriers more than new public housing spending
- Minimize new state housing spending and rely mainly on private market deregulation to increase supply