The Master Plan process was enacted in New Hampshire so that communities would study carefully what they are today and plan for what they want to be tomorrow. In their infancy, master plans focused on physical infrastructure -- roads, water and sewer systems, and facilities. Over time, Master Plans embraced more dynamic concepts such as economic development. In our community, the process has evolved even further as shown by the City’s inclusion of arts and culture as a Master Plan element. Also, in recent years, Portsmouth has strived to recognize the importance of integrating Master Plan elements with each other and make them a living part of the municipal planning process.

The Phase II Study Circle Reports embrace the evolving and expanding concept of “infrastructure” and pioneer new kinds of human and social “infrastructure.” The enclosed Phase II reports contain many implementation strategies whose goal is to connect residents – not just physically, but also in terms of shared information, more robust municipal communication and dialogue, even shared decision making. “Infrastructure” is no longer just about “bricks and mortar.” The Phase II Study Circle recommendations recognize that making Portsmouth “the best place to live and work for everyone” is not solely a Government obligation, but must include contributions from committed residents. This is best demonstrated through their recommendations for ongoing citizen involvement and the development of public/private partnerships.

The History, Arts and Culture Study Circle, aligned its work with the Culture and Arts Master Plan. They recognized and endorsed the concept of the “creative economy.” Our history, arts and culture are substantial revenue producers, but also play a vital role enhancing the quality of life in our community, in turn attracting and supporting quality businesses and creating jobs. Both the Building Community and History, Arts and Culture Study Circles detailed ways to develop what might be best referred to as the “information infrastructure” to serve this creative economy. They proposed calendars, web sites, kiosks, well-developed databases, public events, and learning venues to connect those in the creative economy with each other, with the rest of the town, and with tourists.

Making the Rest of Portsmouth as Special as the Downtown and the Transportation Study Circles endorsed the “connectivity” of the community through several modes of transportation including a pedestrian/bicycle Master Plan. Making the Rest of Portsmouth as Special as the Downtown developed a unique proposal for ensuring that all interests in the community are represented. They advocate developing neighborhood associations for every neighborhood in the community and creating collaboration amongst neighborhoods through neighborhood group associations. Their recommendations included restructuring how we elect a city council to ensure the broadest possible representation of all community interests. The Downtown Study Circle provided richly detailed proposals that recognized the success of “mixed use” in the downtown area. They outlined very thorough reasoning for each proposal and the need for “public review of proposed projects (probably continual)”.

The findings and recommendations of the Natural Resources Study Circle are based on substantial detail and thoughtfulness concerning the whys, what to do, and how to do it. Such a fundamental understanding of environmental issues is critical because these are not one-time fix it issues – they require ongoing stewardship. Perhaps one of this group’s most important recommendations is the need to integrate the concept of sustainability in the planning and decision making process.

The Housing Study Circle, faced with perhaps the most difficult assignment, recommended an ongoing task force with action steps to ameliorate the city’s housing crisis.

It is also noteworthy that the Study Circle Reports relied and expanded on many existing city projects. Their comments and recommendations owe much to the presentation by the City of Portsmouth to Portsmouth Listens participants, and the visits by city staff to Phase II study circles. They demonstrate the value of enhanced public input. In many ways, the City is already moving in the directions recommended by the Study Circles. For example, the City is currently expanding its recycling and has endorsed LEED certification for the public library, as urged by the Natural Resources Study Circle. The Transportation Study Circle emphasized the importance of public transportation just as Portsmouth was undertaking a major expansion of the public transportation network within the City, and enhancing connections throughout the Seacoast region.

Perhaps what is most impressive and significant about the Phase II Study Circle Reports is their thoroughness. Their findings and recommendations are based on research and deliberation. But compared to Phase I, these reports are about action -- charting out what needs to be done, who needs to be involved, and how it can be accomplished. The detail they have provided after a relatively short period of deliberation (4-5 meetings over 4-6 weeks) shows their abilities and commitment to make their community “the best place for everyone to live and work.” That thorough work by engaged citizens is in itself an important resource for the future – and we hope such responsible and committed citizen energy will be harnessed again and again in productive ways to share the work of making this a great place to live.