DPW Hosts Elwyn Park Project Public Information Meeting on February 18, 2026
February 2, 2026The City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works is hosting an Elwyn Park Sidewalks & Traffic Calming Project Public Information Meeting in the Dondero School Library, located at 32 Van Buren Avenue in Portsmouth, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6 pm.
Recreation Department Invites the Public to Create Valentine Hearts for the Annual “Tree of Love” in Market Square
January 28, 2026The City has kept the holiday tree lights shining in Market Square and, with Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14, invites the community to help turn it into a “Tree of Love.”
The Portsmouth Recreation Department welcomes everyone from toddlers to seniors to join in. Residents, visitors, and local businesses are encouraged to create or decorate a heart to hang on the tree. Let your creativity shine!
City Plans Public Hearings on Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget
January 27, 2026The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is developing the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Proposed Budget for all appropriated City funds. Several City Council budget work sessions and hearings for the Fire, Police, and School Departments are scheduled ahead of the City Manager’s formal budget presentation in April 2026.
The City offers multiple opportunities for the public to hear and comment on the budget, including:
Storm Update: City Facilities Closures
January 23, 2026Sunday, January 25th
The Portsmouth Public Library and Senior Activity Center will be closed on Sunday, January 25th. The Connie Bean Center and the Indoor Pool will close at 2 pm.
Monday, January 26th
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
January 16, 2026CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CDBG Public Service Agency Grants
City Opens 2026 Seasonal Prescott Park Dock Application Period
January 16, 2026Portsmouth NH City Clerk Kelli Barnaby has announced that her office has begun to accept applications for the lottery to assign the 12 seasonal boat slips at Prescott Park for the 2026 season. The deadline for applying is Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 4 pm. For the application package, visit: portsnh.co/prescottparkdocks.
Thirty-three PHS Students Win 40 Scholastic Arts Awards
January 16, 2026Portsmouth High School students recently participated in the national Scholastic Arts Awards program which bills itself as “the nation’s longest-running (since 1923) and most prestigious recognition program for creative teams.”
Community Power Coalition of NH Announces Increase in Portsmouth Community Power Rates, Effective February 1, 2026
January 12, 2026The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has advised its member municipalities, including Portsmouth Community Power, that the electricity supply rates for the rate period February 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026 will increase. The new CPCNH Granite Basic default rate for residential and small commercial customers will increase to 14.663 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), from the current 13.419 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), still in effect through January 31, 2026.
City Plans Inauguration on January 5, 2026
December 31, 2025The public is invited to the Inauguration for the City Council, Fire Commission, Police Commission, and School Board to be held in the Eileen Dondero Foley Council Chambers at City Hall (One Junkins Avenue) on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7 pm.
The Inauguration program includes music from the Portsmouth High School instrumental ensemble, conducted by Eric Gagnon, the National Anthem sung by Angelynne Hinson, the posting of colors by the Portsmouth Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, and an invocation by Reverend Dr. Jerrell Riggins of New Hope Baptist Church.
Mayor McEachern Announces Winners of Annual Holiday Lights Contest
December 29, 2025The Citywide Neighborhood Committee Holiday Lights Contest once again received enthusiastic support from Portsmouth residents participating in this annual tradition. Mayor Deaglan McEachern announced the winners at the December 22nd City Council meeting and has invited them to attend the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting for public recognition.
The winners are: