Balance involves the harmonious arrangement of parts or elements.  The CTHBA supports a balance between nature and community in its approach to the growth of our region.

To emphasize the importance of balance, it is helpful to discuss something not currently in balance – housing demand and supply.  Over the last decade the average price of a home in the tri-county region has increased 105% from $126,550 to $259,176.  During this same period, the average annual wages of the area increased 40% from $23,192 in 1996 to $32,510 in 2004.  In summary, the 105 % increase in housing prices has outpaced the 40% increase in average wage rate of jobs in the region.  This imbalance is making it increasingly difficult for much of the population to afford to live in the tri-county area.

To achieve a more healthy balance, the region’s local governments must enable and encourage the private marketplace to meet the demand of existing and future citizens for an adequate supply of housing.  Failing in this endeavor will make housing even less affordable, which does a disservice to the less affluent of our citizens, and limits our ability to expand economically. 

Initiating regulatory reform to alleviate such disparities between demand and supply must however, be balanced with the practical requirements of protecting our natural resources and shared public realm.  Economic cost/benefit analyses, which take into account the balance between nature and community should be utilized when auditing any existing or new regulation.