Ten Years Later: Uncovering Lessons from Franklin’s Story of Revitalization

Nestled at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee Rivers, Franklin was once a New England mill town facing post-industrial decline with vacant storefronts, empty mills, an aging population, and little investment. In 2015, UNH Cooperative Extension and Plan NH worked with the city to launch Franklin for a Lifetime, an initiative that brought more than 150 residents together to map out a vision for Franklin’s future and form action teams who made these ideas a reality. The ripple effects since have been striking: Franklin has accessed grant funding, transformed vacant storefronts into businesses, beautified downtown, leveraged external investment to convert abandoned mill buildings into housing, and attracted tourists from across the region to enjoy its new whitewater park.

10 years later, UNH Extension is now asking: how did the Franklin for a Lifetime initiative influence these outcomes over the last decade? How does social capital contribute to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic renewal in small towns? As a master’s student in Community Development Policy & Practice at the UNH Carsey School, I eagerly hopped onto this opportunity to support this work over the summer, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to date.

While the town’s physical assets—its rivers, surrounding nature, historic downtown corridor, and proximity to major hubs—along with the influx of a few visionary entrepreneurs are important elements of Franklin’s story, the “asset” I find most promising and exciting is its incredibly engaged and motivated residents.

Interviews with town leaders consistently noted this high level of engagement. Sharon Cowen, a former field specialist at UNH Extension who helped develop the Franklin for a Lifetime steering committee, reflected that “there was a lot of commitment and a lot of energy in that city—more than I experienced in any other community.” From day one, residents filled the seats at planning events and eagerly volunteered their time, determined to be the change they wanted to see. That engagement continues today, with residents still packing town meetings and staying until late at night to argue for what they believe in.

This got me thinking: is there something unique about Franklin’s situation, or is this level of engagement replicable in other small towns? Perhaps Franklin for a Lifetime was simply a very effective engagement strategy that gave residents genuine ownership of change. Or maybe decades of limited public resources cultivated a “DIY” volunteer culture that made residents champions of their own progress. Or perhaps Franklin’s geography and small size fostered a close-knit community with strong social ties and shared stakes. These questions highlight just how complex, and context-dependent, community engagement can be.

Progress over the years hasn’t been without challenges, with some development facing backlash. Growth often triggers valid feelings of exclusion and fears of displacement. To what extent is that inevitable in community and economic development? Could something have been done differently a decade ago to soften potential backlash—or can something be done now to prevent future displacement—while still welcoming new investment and encouraging further growth?

This research shows that much of Franklin’s progress can be attributed to engaged, action-oriented residents who became the architects of their own change. While Franklin’s story includes many intertwined layers, thoughtful engagement helped clarify visions for the future, build shared ownership, and generate momentum.

That “DIY mentality” may be Franklin’s most valuable asset—and one worth celebrating.

Claire McCarthy is pursuing a master’s degree Community Development Policy & Practice at the UNH Carsey School of Public Policy.