ICYMI: AFP-NH Hosts Town Hall, Discusses Ways to Retain and Attract Young Talent

Feb 13, 2026 by AFP

Dover, NH — On Wednesday, Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire (AFP-NH) hosted a solutions-focused town hall to highlight the talent exodus of New Hampshire’s recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and young families, driven by local zoning, permitting delays, and costly mandates.

AFP-NH Deputy State Director Sarah Scott was joined by Representative Sam Farrington and Matt Mayberry, CEO of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, for the discussion, where they addressed policies driving up costs and the proven, practical changes that can reverse the trend to keep the next generation in the Granite State.

AFP-NH Deputy Director Sarah Scott on Accessory Dwelling Units:

“The more we can continue to attract people through legislation like [Accessory Dwelling Units], […] we’re really giving those people a chance to build those high-income jobs, and then they can get to a point of maybe their business is grown enough that they’re able to go out and buy a new facility.”

Representative Farrington on New Hampshire’s affordability crisis:

“New Hampshire’s affordability crisis stems from high housing costs, rising property taxes driven by education spending, and regulatory ‘red tape’ that together make it hard for young people to find well-paying jobs and starter homes.”

Matt Mayberry on why businesses and young people are leaving New Hampshire:

“There are two words that affect what we do here in New Hampshire. The first two are red tape because we’re choking on it, and the second are electric rates.”