UNH Extension Community Development

Local businesses thrive when conversations with local government happen early—not only when there’s a problem. Nate Bernitz' article published by NHBR highlights how simple, proactive engagement can build trust, uncover opportunities and strengthen our communities over time. Read The Cost of Quiet https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review/2026/06/05/ #?article=4399593

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Elevate your knowledge, network, and impact with the latest trends in community development. Our newsletter brings you expert articles, success stories, and exclusive resources to empower your initiatives. https://unh.how/cednews

Want fresh ideas to strengthen your community? Our newsletter highlights local success stories and practical solutions from every corner of the state. Join the subscriber list and see how others are creating real impact. https://unh.how/cednews

The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) is seeking presenters for the Northeast Housing Summit, a virtual event on September 15 or 22, 2026. Share your work on housing affordability, workforce housing, land use, or partnerships and help advance solutions across the region. Proposals are due July 6, 2026. Learn more:

Northeast Housing Summit Call for Presentation Proposals - Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development Enhancing the capacity of Land Grant Universities to foster regional prosperity and rural development.

Community leaders, volunteers, and residents are doing remarkable work every day. Our newsletter captures those stories and shares the strategies behind them. Subscribe now and bring new ideas home to your town. https://unh.how/cednews

Granite Outdoor Alliance hosts NH Outdoor Industry Day: The Barn Raiser on June 10 in Plymouth. The event is designed to bring together the people, businesses, nonprofits, public partners, and leaders for networking, industry insights, the release of the Grounded Growth Report, awards, and a keynote from Erik Mogensen. Learn more and register at https://www.graniteoutdooralliance.org/nh-outdoor-industry-day

Granite Outdoor

High school students in New Hampshire are learning hands‑on historic preservation skills thanks to innovative programs from the NH Preservation Alliance, informed by research from UNH Extension. NPR recently highlighted this growing need for preservation trades and featured training at Canterbury Shaker Village. Read or listen to the story: High School Students Learn Historic Building Techniques.

High school students learn historic building techniques The U.S. has many buildings that are centuries old, but most modern tradespeople haven't learned how to work on them. A New Hampshire program is teaching high schoolers these old restoration skills.

UNH Extension’s own John Christ, Community & Economic Development Field Specialist in Merrimack County, is featured in NH Business Review! In the article, John highlights how small, thoughtful improvements—like better public spaces, creative partnerships, and community‑driven projects—can spark big gains in downtown vibrancy. His insights show how even modest steps can help New Hampshire’s downtowns become more welcoming, lively, and economically resilient. Check out the full story and see how local communities are making meaningful change. Read Small Steps https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review #2026/05/08/?article=4393511

Great ideas don’t have to come from far away. Our newsletter showcases local innovation and collaboration that you can adapt for your own community. Subscribe and discover what’s possible. https://unh.how/cednews

The NH Community Development Finance Authority has launched new i2i Activation Grants offering up to $3,500 for early‑stage, community‑driven projects that strengthen connection and civic life across New Hampshire. Applications open April 21 and close May 22, 2026 at 4 PM. Learn more and apply at https://nhcdfa.org/cdfa-launches-i2i-activation-grants-to-strengthen-community-connection-across-new-hampshire/