UNH Extension Community Development

05/29/2026

High school students in New Hampshire are learning hands‑on historic preservation skills thanks to innovative programs from the NH Preservation Alliance, informed by research from UNH Extension. NPR recently highlighted this growing need for preservation trades and featured training at Canterbury Shaker Village. Read or listen to the story: High School Students Learn Historic Building Techniques.

The U.S. has many buildings that are centuries old, but most modern tradespeople haven't learned how to work on them. A New Hampshire program is teaching high schoolers these old restoration skills.

05/21/2026

UNH Extension’s own John Christ, Community & Economic Development Field Specialist in Merrimack County, is featured in NH Business Review! In the article, John highlights how small, thoughtful improvements—like better public spaces, creative partnerships, and community‑driven projects—can spark big gains in downtown vibrancy. His insights show how even modest steps can help New Hampshire’s downtowns become more welcoming, lively, and economically resilient. Check out the full story and see how local communities are making meaningful change. Read Small Steps https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review #2026/05/08/?article=4393511

05/21/2026

Great ideas don’t have to come from far away. Our newsletter showcases local innovation and collaboration that you can adapt for your own community. Subscribe and discover what’s possible. https://unh.how/cednews

05/19/2026

The NH Community Development Finance Authority has launched new i2i Activation Grants offering up to $3,500 for early‑stage, community‑driven projects that strengthen connection and civic life across New Hampshire. Applications open April 21 and close May 22, 2026 at 4 PM. Learn more and apply at https://nhcdfa.org/cdfa-launches-i2i-activation-grants-to-strengthen-community-connection-across-new-hampshire/

05/14/2026

Each issue of our newsletter brings you real stories from communities across the state—innovative programs, smart collaborations, and strategies that are making a difference. Subscribe today and get inspired by what’s working in towns just like yours. https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701Rh00000l11yIIAQ

05/13/2026

Former UNH Extension Community & Economic Development Field Specialist Becky Levy is being recognized for her leadership in tackling one of the region’s toughest challenges: housing. As highlighted in a recent Monadnock Ledger-Transcript article, Becky has played a key role through her work coordinating the Monadnock Housing Collaborative, a multi-sector initiative bringing together nonprofits, planners, faith groups, and housing advocates to address Southern New Hampshire’s housing shortage. The Collaborative focuses on helping communities learn from one another, strengthen local solutions, and balance new housing development with the desire to preserve rural character. Becky’s work reflects the heart of UNH Extension’s mission—community-driven, practical solutions that support economic stability and quality of life for New Hampshire residents. Read more about this important regional effort here:

The Monadnock Housing Collaborative is working to address the housing shortage in Southern New Hampshire by encouraging communities to communicate and learn from existing initiatives, while also exploring options such as zoning changes, cluster developments, and tax incentives.

05/06/2026

UNH students braved icy spring weather in 2020 to partner with Farmington on a First Impressions Survey, offering practical recommendations to strengthen the town’s downtown and support future revitalization. Their work, guided by Extension, shows the power of hands-on learning and community engagement. Today, Extension continues this same kind of partnership across New Hampshire, helping towns gather meaningful input, build local leadership, and move ideas into action. This story is a reminder of how collaborative efforts—whether from students or residents—can spark long-term community progress. Read the UNH Today article at

Town's Economic Development Committee benefits from outside perspective of key demographic.

05/01/2026

Join Plan NH on May 6 for a Spring Workshop and Walking Tour in Contoocook Village, Hopkinton. This engaging afternoon will explore “The Village Center Solution,” featuring a panel discussion with planning and community development experts followed by a guided walking tour highlighting local successes, challenges, and future opportunities. The event concludes with networking and refreshments and is ideal for anyone interested in housing, planning, and vibrant village centers. Learn more and register:

Join Plan NH for an afternoon of education, inspiration, and networking in Contoocook Village in Hopkinton!

05/01/2026

Join the NH Office of Planning and Development’s 2026 Spring Planning and Zoning Conference on Saturday, May 9. As part of the Planning Board Track, John Christ, Community and Economic Development Field Specialist for Merrimack County, will lead a session on Planning Board Roles and Responsibilities, covering how planning board meetings are structured and the core concepts behind zoning, subdivision, and site plan review. This free, virtual event is a great opportunity for new and experienced board members alike. Learn more and register: https://www.nheconomy.com/office-of-planning-and-development/what-we-do/municipal-and-regional-planning-assistance/osi-planning-and-zoning-conferences

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) administers the following programs related to state and local land use planning.

04/29/2026

From Plans to Progress in Barrington, NH: What happens after the planning process ends? In Barrington, real change is already underway. Just six months after completing UNH Cooperative Extension’s Downtowns & Trails program, the town is seeing tangible results, including new gathering spaces, expanded outdoor programming, improved wayfinding, and data-driven advocacy making an impact at the state level. This new blog by Extension's Shannon Rogers and Nate Bernitz shows how local leadership, committed volunteers, and readiness to act can turn community plans into visible progress. Read the full story: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2026/04/plans-progress
Barrington, NH - Town Government