One Quick Way Rhode Island Can Close the Housing Affordability Gap
One Quick Way Rhode Island Can Close the Housing Affordability Gap
Rhode Island faces a growing housing affordability crisis. One quick way to close the gap is by loosening strict zoning and building regulations, allowing more multi-family homes and new construction.
Housing is unaffordable, and in my opinion one of the quickest ways to address it is by loosening overly strict building regulations. Builders, investors, and contractors are ready to create more units — but outdated zoning is blocking progress.
Take Cumberland as an example. I purchased a property listed on the town’s own tax assessor site as a 3-unit. My plan was simple: restore it as three residential units and add two more homes for families in the community. Instead, the town is denying it, saying their assessor site was an “error” and that zoning only allows two units. At a time when families need housing, Cumberland is effectively choosing less housing.
This isn’t just about one property. If towns loosen their regulations to allow for more housing, Rhode Island could take a meaningful step toward improving affordability.
Rhode Island’s housing affordability gap continues to widen as demand outpaces supply. By loosening zoning rules and allowing more multi-family housing, ADUs, and mixed-use developments, towns can make a meaningful impact. Adding new housing inventory won’t solve everything, but it’s one of the fastest steps we can take toward closing the gap.




