Get Involved
Public participation in the planning process is key to establishing a shared vision encompassing many different perspectives for Portsmouth’s future. The City is inviting the community to engage in shaping the Citywide plan. The Master Plan process will include a series of virtual and in-person events in 2025 and 2026 including: digital surveys, comment cards, focus group sessions, pop-up information tables, public workshops, Advisory Group meetings, and Planning Board meetings.
We will provide numerous and diverse opportunities for as many community members as possible to participate. We want to hear from everyone!
1. Subscribe to our Email List for Updates
2. Fill out a Visioning Comment Card or Online Mini-Survey (4 questions)
Tell us what you love about Portsmouth, and what you would change to make it better. This will help the Planning Team develop a vision statement. Open through October 2025.
You can find physical version of this in the form of Visioning Comment Cards at publicly accessible locations throughout Portsmouth like City Hall, Libraries, Community Campus, Senior Center, Grocery stores and other local businesses. You can also visit the Master Plan table at a local event to fill out a card. Check the event schedule for more information.
3. Participate in the Polis Issues & Opportunities Survey
Join the crowd-sourced conversation on issues and opportunities facing Portsmouth. Respond to as many statements as you’d like and add your own. This will help the Planning Team develop draft goals and guiding principles. Open through October 2025.
Join the Issues & Opportunities Conversation
4. Attend an Upcoming Event
Check the event schedule for upcoming Listening Tour events and more detailed information.
Community members can join any of the following public open houses to ask questions and provide input to City and project staff throughout the planning process:
- Visioning Open House: Monday, September 15, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Levenson Community Room at the Portsmouth Public Library. Light refreshments and food will be available! More information.
- Draft Plan Open House: April 2026
Listening Tours
Master Plan Listening Tours will enable community members to engage in the planning process in their neighborhoods and communities. Activities will include virtual meetings, focus groups, among other events tailored to specific neighborhood needs.
- Listening Tour 1: Visioning (2025)
- Listening Tour 2: Draft Plan (2026)
5. Spread the Word!
The more people know about this plan, the better. We want to hear from everyone — and we need your help! As the beloved planner and author Jane Jacobs said: “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”