Millions in Grants Now Available

July 12, 2024

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is now accepting pre-applications for the second round of grant funding through the Catalyst Program for economic and community development projects. The second round is offering up to $20M. Deadline for submission for the second round is September 6th at 5:00 PM EST with an Application deadline of October 18, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST.

Projects considered for the Catalyst Program should address economic development initiatives such as modernization and expansion of access to public water and wastewater services, revitalization of transportation infrastructure, establishment of workforce development programs and facilities, growing the outdoor recreation economy, and providing access to new childcare and healthcare facilities.
 
The NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (NHBEA) administers the program within the state and offers technical assistance to eligible projects planning to apply.
 
For more information on the Catalyst Program, technical assistance, and funding opportunities, please contact Steve Fortier at steven.j.fortier@livefree.nh.gov or visit their website at https://www.nheconomy.com/nbrc.


Planning Lunches at Noon (PLAN) Monthly Webinar Series

The NH Office of Planning and Development (OPD) conducts monthly webinar series every third Thursday from 12 pm to 1 pm concerning various planning and zoning topics. To view upcoming webinars, click here.
 
Registration is required. All sessions are recorded and later published on their website and YouTube channel.
 
The webinar is a joint collaboration of NHOPD, NHMA, and the Regional Planning Commissions represented by Southern NH Planning Commission.

For assistance or if you have any questions, please e-mail planning@livefree.nh.gov.


Joint Planning Resource Guide

May 20, 2024
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (eda.gov), together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (rd.usda.gov) has prepared a Joint Planning Resource Guide designed to help eliminate barriers and encourage collaboration among stakeholders. The Guide covers the areas of Planning and Technical Assistance, Infrastructure and High-Speed Internet Expansion, Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance, and Workforce Development and Livability.

State Ten Year Plan on Transportation

Proposed Lakes Region Projects in 2023 - 2032 Ten Year Plan

The purpose of the State's Ten Year Plan is to develop and implement a plan allowing New Hampshire to fully participate in federally supported transportation improvement projects as well as to outline projects and programs funded with State transportation dollars. View list of projects.


Planning and Zoning Board Handbooks

The Planning Board in New Hampshire: A Handbook for Local Officials (updated 2021)
The Board of Adjustment in New Hampshire: A Handbook for Local Officials (updated 2021)

2021 editions of the Office of Strategic Initiatives's (OSI) handbooks for Planning and Zoning Boards are now available. Designed to serve as introductions to the organization, powers, duties, and procedures of Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Adjustment in New Hampshire, these guides will acquaint board members and others with the basic board responsibilities of each and suggest procedures by which the work of the boards can be carried out in a fair and effective manner.

Visit the OSI website where you can view additional planning and zoning publications.


Progress Towards Digital Equity in NH

Digital access and skill have become increasingly important for so many aspects of everyday life, for people of all ages and all circumstances, especially for those who are English learners, elders, persons of color, veterans, disabled, low income, rural inhabitants, and incarcerated populations.  NH’s digital equity funding can be used to address digital divide challenges, e.g., relating to access to affordable broadband, computers, digital skills and cyber safety skill development, technical support, multilingual tech support, and more.

The LRPC is working with New Hampshire’s digital equity experts in guiding the development of NH’s plan, and to encourage all who are interested in the region to help shape the plan.  Over the next several months, a select team will be seeking public comment on vital elements including identification of digital divide barriers to improve economic and educational opportunity, healthcare access, and civic engagement.

You can learn about the many ways to become involved, share your insights and concerns, and help craft New Hampshire’s digital future at  https://www.nhdigitalequity.org/ for many upcoming opportunities from an online survey and online forums to in-person meetings across the state.
We hope you’ll join us!


New Hampshire Broadband Impact Survey

State of New Hampshire
Social Distancing Broadband Impact

Take the Survey to help the State identify gaps in residential Internet connectivity.


A resource for farmers and municipal decision makers