Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission – Concord, NH

Regional Planning and Development

Serving 20 Communities

The Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission (CNHRPC) is a voluntary association of 20 municipalities in the greater Concord area, established to coordinate land use and transportation planning on a regional scale. Founded in 1970 under New Hampshire state statutes, the commission serves as a vital bridge between local governments and state agencies. Its primary mission is to support member towns—such as Concord, Bow, Henniker, and Loudon—in managing growth, protecting natural resources, and fostering economic vitality. The commission is governed by local representatives appointed by each member community, ensuring that its policies and projects directly reflect the needs and priorities of the region’s residents.

Transportation and Infrastructure

One of the CNHRPC’s most significant roles is serving as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region. In this capacity, it works closely with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to prioritize and plan millions of dollars in transportation improvements. This includes the development of the Regional Transportation Plan, which outlines long-term strategies for highway maintenance, public transit expansion, bicycle and pedestrian path networks, and freight movement. The staff provides technical data collection, such as traffic counts and road surface management assessments, helping towns make informed decisions about infrastructure investments and grant applications.

Land Use and Environmental Planning

Beyond transportation, the CNHRPC provides essential technical assistance to local planning boards. Professional planners from the commission help municipalities update their Master Plans, draft zoning ordinances, and review complex development proposals. The agency also plays a key role in environmental stewardship, coordinating river corridor management plans, hazard mitigation planning, and brownfields assessments to repurpose contaminated sites. Their expertise extends to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where they create detailed maps and spatial analyses that are critical for emergency management, tax mapping, and conservation efforts.

Data and Economic Development

The commission acts as a central repository for demographic, economic, and census data for the Central New Hampshire region. Local businesses, government officials, and non-profits rely on CNHRPC for accurate statistics regarding population trends, housing needs, and economic indicators. By preparing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the commission helps the region qualify for federal funding to support job creation and business retention. Whether assisting a small town with a capital improvement program or coordinating a multi-town trail network, the CNHRPC acts as a collaborative force for sustainable regional progress.

• Master Planning: Assisting towns with future land use visions.
• Transportation: Managing federal and state highway funds.
• GIS Mapping: Providing high-quality mapping services.
• Hazard Mitigation: Planning for natural disasters and resilience.
• Grant Writing: Helping communities secure necessary funding.