State Sen. Kevin Avard (R-Nashua) recently received the Community Champion Award from the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for his efforts to reduce the cost of housing. Courtesy photo

CONCORD – State Sen. Kevin Avard (R-Nashua) recently received the Community Champion Award from the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for his efforts to reduce the cost of housing.

“I’m honored to receive the Community Champion Award. Families having access to safe housing that is affordable is a top priority,” said Avard. “This term, I am focused on reducing property taxes and removing unnecessary regulations that limit home ownership for all constituents, especially those that are most vulnerable. Resident-owned communities are a key part of expanding housing in New Hampshire and I’m proud of the progress being made. Thank you to the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for this recognition and for their ongoing efforts in ROC.”

In July, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 165 into law. Sponsored by Avard, the legislation increases the ROC audit threshold from $250,000 to $2 million. Before the law was passed, an ROC was required to be audited if its annual revenue was more than $250,000. These audits could cost as much as $10,000. As a result of Avarad’s legislation, ROCs are now able to avoid the high cost of audits provided they stay within the $2 million limit.

In August 2024, another Avard-sponsored bill, SB 306, was signed into law by then-Gov. Chris Sununu. That legislation granted rulemaking authorization to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to resolve disputes in the manufactured housing market.

“I am incredibly proud of Sen. Avard and his ongoing dedication to finding solutions that make housing more affordable for Granite State families,” said Senate President Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “Families are the foundation of our communities and his efforts underscore the importance of building strong relationships with those we serve.”

According to Zillow, the average home value is $501,650 as of Sept. 30. That figure represents an increase of 2.7 percent over the past year.

A graduate of Liberty University in Virginia, Avard served on the Franklin City Council from 2000 to 2002. Eight years later, he was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives serving the Hillsborough 20th District.

He has represented the 12th Senate District since 2020 and from 2014 to 2018.