Who We Are
The State of New Hampshire adopted enabling legislation in 1969 allowing municipalities and counties to form regional planning commissions and establish their duties and powers (RSA 36:45-53). SRPC originally was responsible for all communities in Strafford County in addition to Nottingham and Newmarket. The Commission officially established in 1971 with Durham, Madbury, and Newmarket joining on. Today the SRPC planning area includes the original 15 communities in addition to Northwood, Brookfield, and Wakefield. SRPC and the other regional planning commissions were originally funded with federal funding from Housing and Urban Development. In the 1980’s much of this funding was no longer available leading to the search for other funding sources. Today SRPC’s regional planning work is funded by multiple sources through agencies such as the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) with the Unified Planning and Working Program (UPWP), independent contract with communities, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding through NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) with the Coastal program, among other funding sources.
Our foundations, responsibilities, and duties continue to be framed by NH Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 36 and include:
- Developing a comprehensive regional plan that addresses land use, transportation, water resources, housing, economic development, emergency management, energy and other current topics.
- Providing local technical assistance.
- Preparing municipal master plans and planning studies.
- Fostering regional cooperation among communities.
- Compiling a regional housing needs assessment.
- Reviewing and commenting on developments of regional impact.
- Supporting climate resilience cooperative agreements.
Strafford Regional Planning Commission’s mission is to ensure that the region is responsive to the needs of its residents through cooperation with the federal and state agencies and its member municipalities, through the implementation of its policies and plans, and through the provision of local planning assistance. These actions foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life in the region. Sustainable development balances economic progress with environmental protection and community well-being.
Our vision represents the collective ideals of our communities. It is the aspirational goal which we seek to achieve, and it shapes what we do. The vision answers the question “what should the Strafford Region be 20-30 years from today” and is similar to ones that guide municipal master plans. SRPC’s vision was adopted January 2015 as part of SRPC’s regional plan, Local Solutions for the Strafford Region.
The Strafford Region is distinguished by its high quality of life – characterized by vibrant downtown communities, strong economies, coastal areas, and forested landscapes. The region offers excellence in education, health, and civic engagement while providing equitable access to transportation options, housing choices, and recreation opportunities.
Our values further define and shape how we operate and work under our mission. Our values shape our core belief in making a difference through public service.
Guiding Principles
• We are a learning environment
• Our considerations and actions are comprehensive
• We are self-reliant creative problem-solvers
• We respect our history and plan for tomorrow
• Our actions lead us into the future
Core Values
• Collaboration: Respectful, Inclusive, Participatory
• High Standards of Service: Quality, Fiscal Soundness
• Integrity: Trust, Ethical, Forthright
• Responsiveness: Timely, Reliable, Respectful
• Resourcefulness: Creative, Open, Learning
We know the core values are working if they:
• Guide processes and decision making
• Are practical and easily lead to decisions
• Lead to decisions that promote the greater good
• Lead to decisions that are fair and just
Additionally, SRPC is a proponent of the American Planning Association’s Statement on Ethical Principles in Planning. Staff members who have been AICP-certified also commit to follow the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The Strategic Plan provides a high-level strategic roadmap for the next five years. The plan reflects upon historical and current mandates that define SRPC, as well as our mission, vision, values, and current programs and operational realities. These various factors, in combination with progress toward implementation of our Regional Plan and evolving planning issues, shape SRPC’s role within the region over the next few years.
The SRPC Annual Report provides our Commissioners, municipalities, partners, and other stakeholders with an update of the work of the Commission in the past fiscal year. It highlights important projects and processes; lists new staff members, enumerates measurable outcomes, and presents the FY budget.
Annual Reports
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