New Hampshire

Registration Now Open! NHPA's 2026 Annual Meeting

NHPA 2026 Annual Meeting: December 4th, 2026.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Registration/Networking/Coffee & Pastries

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Business Meeting

Welcome from NHPA President
Approval of December 5, 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes
Annual Reports
President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report and 2027 Budget
Membership Coordinator
Public Information Officer
Legislative Report
Professional Development Report
NNECAPA Updates
Announcement of Election Results

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Economic Development Tools and Incentives for Planners

As the state agency charged with advancing economic development and tourism in the state, the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) has several new economic development programs and tools which can assist municipal and regional planners and economic development staff. BEA Division of Economic Development staff will provide an overview of the Opportunity Zone 2.0, Northern Borders Regional Commission, and Economic Revitalization Zone programs. There will also be an overview of the NH Business Gateway and recently launched GIS-based Economic Development Mapper.

Speakers: Aarron Dupuis, Northern Borders Regional Commission Program Manager Mark Laliberte, Business Development ManagerNH Department of Business & Economic Affairs, Division of Economic Development

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Hot Buffet Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Building Life Science–Ready Communities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s life sciences sector is growing rapidly, quickly becoming one of the state’s largest economic drivers and most exciting opportunities. This session will highlight the work of NH Life Sciences and its mission to further advance the sector across the state. Topics will also include discussion on statewide industry momentum, including major investments such as United Therapeutics’ plan to redevelop the former Anheuser-Busch facility in Merrimack and outline the goals of the NHLS Economic Development Committee. Attendees will learn where NHLS sees future opportunities for expansion and how planners can partner with NHLS to prepare their municipalities for life science development.

Speaker: Andrea Hechavarria, President & CEO New Hampshire Life Sciences

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: The Road to Adoption: Tailoring a Form-Based Code to Manchester, NH and the Community Engagement Process that got us Across the Finish LineA major zoning overhaul was adopted by the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen in December of 2025. The new zoning ordinance made the entire city subject to Form-Based Code, and introduced several new mixed-use zoning districts to the City's zoning map. Manchester planning staff will discuss how the code addresses housing and economic vitality, reflects existing neighborhoods, and is being updated in response to state legislation. They’ll also share how public engagement, including the Taco Tour, meetings in all 12 wards, a citywide survey, and a community steering committee, informed the overhaul and built support around the changes.

Speakers: Kristin Bixby, Senior Planner Butch Laker, PlannerA BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!City of Manchester, Planning and Community Development Department

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Networking/Planner’s Therapy