Community Leadership

An audience of people watching a presentation
What do Planning and Zoning Boards Do?
OPD has the Answer.
Wading through the regulatory framework of what communities can and cannot do, and staying on top of recent trends and growth pressures can seem daunt... Learn More
Darren Winham leads walking tour of downtown exeter
Housing Leaders Visit Exeter
Community visits explore approaches to addressing the housing crisis
Land use staff and volunteers from across the state gathered to learn about Exeter's efforts to address the housing crisis, which included Q&A with a ... Learn More
Improving your Virtual Facilitation: Quick Tips and Upcoming Training Opportunities
Many of us have experienced being part of groups that struggle to identify goals, stay on track, maintain involvement, and move projects forward.  Fac... Learn More
A close up of a variety of nuts and bolts in a tray
The Nuts & Bolts of Community Needs Assessment
Pros and Cons of Assessement Methods
A community needs assessment is an essential process for understanding the opinions, assumptions, needs, key issues, and assets within a defined commu... Learn More
blue door mat that reads home
A Housing Story - Interview with Iris Feliciano of Nashua
Iris, the newest Habitat for Humanity homeowner in Nashua, New Hampshire shares her experience and insight with Lyla Boyajian, MPP Fellow and Housing ... Learn More
Aerial view of downtown Plymouth New Hamshire under winter snow
A Walkinar Through the Village, Plymouth NH
A walk with John Christ and Joe Perez
In January 2024, Lyla Boyajian, met with John Christ and Joseph (Joe) Perez. John is the Chair of the Plymouth New Hampshire Planning Board and anothe... Learn More
Rows of Christmast trees at Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm in Plymouth New Hampshire
A Walk Through History, Plymouth NH
A conversation with Mike Ahern
Mike Ahern is a lifelong Plymouth, New Hampshire resident who’s served as selectman and chair of the Plymouth Planning Board. He is currently a Planni... Learn More
Grove Street and Phoenix Mill Lane in Peterborough New Hampshire
Building ADU Buy-in with Danica Melone of Peterborough
Danica Melone is Peterborough’s Director of Planning and Building, and she told me that Peterborough has decided to pursue ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Un... Learn More
droplet of water making ripples in water-covered bed of small pebbles
Measuring Community Impact on a Shoestring
Practical Strategies for Community Organizations with Limited Evaluation Resources
Many community-serving organizations struggle to capture the impacts of their work. Reasons include the lack of a formal system or structure by which ... Learn More
Market approach to economic development graphic
A Different Approach to Economic Development
Market System Development is a sector-focused approach, aiming to grow targeted industries by addressing the challenges that the industry is facing. E... Learn More