On September 30th, the RI Association of Realtors hosted Speaker Joseph Shekarchi for an open discussion at RIAR on issues impacting housing in the Ocean State. The Speaker answered questions and touched on several issues, foremost among them, Rhode Island’s housing shortage.

After relaying his history as a Realtor, Speaker Shekarchi spoke about the role Realtors are playing on important legislative issues, notably their part in the Land Use and Low- and Moderate-Income Housing study commissions. He also urged attendees to reach out to their legislators on a regular basis to relay real estate-related insights and concerns.

Regarding plans he is exploring to combat the state’s affordable housing problems, he mentioned that only six municipalities meet the state’s affordable 10 percent mandate and that repurposing vacant buildings would help in that regard. He noted that doing so is often marred with complex rules but added that the state needs to look for ways to make the process more enticing for municipalities, such as tax credits and streamlined permitting processes.

The Speaker also talked about the need for more efficient zoning regulations to spur development, as well as his desire to see tiny homes allowed as ADUs in the next legislative session. He noted however, that he is intent on hearing from the public on these and other critical issues before finalizing his housing plan and encouraged Realtors to attend those upcoming public hearings.