Forward Thinking: A Comprehensive Plan for the Strafford Region

Project Overview

The Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) is embarking on a project to update the comprehensive plan for the region. We are excited to announce Forward Thinking: A Comprehensive Plan for the Strafford Region. This initiative will act as the visionary framework to help shape the future of our region and reflect our commitment to supporting vibrant, sustainable, and resilient work that bolsters and strengthens communities in the region.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is a forward-looking, long-term, strategic vision and roadmap for the region’s future. It considers many factors surrounding how we live, work, and move throughout the region and links together critical areas like land use, housing, transportation, and economic development topics. A comprehensive plan reflects the values, priorities, needs, and aspirations of the residents, businesses, and communities throughout the Strafford Region, and ensures their voices and perspectives act the foundation to the plan. The name Forward Thinking reflects the visionary and thoughtful nature of the process we will undertake to develop a plan that embodies local and regional perspectives, and the collaborative spirit of a vision for the region.

Why are we updating our Comprehensive Plan?

As the region has continued to evolve over the last decade, an updated plan will ensure that the region can respond to new challenges and opportunities, ensure that growth and development align with local priorities and needs, and development a framework for stronger, resilient, and connected communities. Under RSA 36:47 (I), regional planning commissions in New Hampshire are required to prepare a comprehensive plan for development in their region and update it. Our previous comprehensive plan, Local Solutions for the Strafford Region, was published in 2015.

What topics are addressed in Forward Thinking?

Topics covered in this comprehensive plan update include Land Use & Environment, Housing, Transportation, and Economic Development. Two core plans are to be updated as part of the comprehensive plan process: the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which will be the plan for transportation priorities and investments for the next 25 years in the region, and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which overviews the regional economy, opportunities, and priority projects.

What is the project timeline?

This project includes a robust plan for public input and engagement, time for analysis, public and professional review and feedback, and adoption. Our public engagement efforts will continue throughout the first half of 2025, followed by plan development, and final adoption in late 2026.

How do I get involved?

We need your insights and perspectives to make Forward Thinking a robust and complete plan that reflects the priorities and aspirations of the region. The foundation of this plan is informed by the voices of the residents, businesses, local organizations, communities, and other stakeholders. There are several ways to participate and share your input:

• Take the Survey! Open now through mid-March 2025. Follow this link to SurveyMonkey.
• Attend a workshop or focus group! This will be held through spring and early summer 2025. Details coming soon.
• Stay connected! Sign up to our newsletter or find links to our social media pages at the bottom of any page of our website.
• Spread the word! Tell your neighbors, city or town representatives, colleagues, and more!

How do I get in contact if I have more questions?

Email CompPlan@strafford.org or one of the staff members listed on this page by clicking on their name. We are available by phone at (603) 994-3500 or you are more than welcome to drop by our office in Rochester at the James W. Foley Community Center at 150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12.