What's New

City Affirms Continuation of Employee Health Coverage Amid Ongoing Dispute with SchoolCare

The City of Portsmouth today affirmed that health insurance coverage for Portsmouth School Department staff remains in place and uninterrupted, while the City continues to seek a reasonable and lawful resolution of an unprecedented and disputed, mid year assessment imposed by the New Hampshire School Health Care Coalition (SchoolCare).

The City of Portsmouth Planning & Sustainability Department invites all community members to a Draft Plan Open House for the Master Plan, to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at Community Campus, located at 100 Campus Drive. Light food and refreshments will be provided.

The Master Plan is an eighteen‑month Citywide planning initiative designed to shape Portsmouth’s future across critical topics including housing, transportation, economic development, climate, urban form, and land use.

The Portsmouth Public Library, Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee, and Seacoast Climate Action Now will host a free NHSaves “Button Up” home energy workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 6 pm at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Avenue. Residents may attend in person or via Zoom; pre-registration is required.

As required by State law, all dogs residing in the City of Portsmouth must be licensed annually. Before the license can be issued, the dog must be properly vaccinated against rabies.

The City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works is hosting an Elwyn Road Reconstruction Project Public Information Meeting in the DPW Training Room located at 680 Peverly Hill Road in Portsmouth on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 6 pm.

This is a hybrid meeting held in-person and on Zoom. Zoom attendees must pre-register. Visit the City’s municipal calendar at portsnh.co/munical for meeting details and registration link.

On Monday, March 16, 2026 the Portsmouth, New Hampshire City Council will hold a public hearing to consider several options on whether to maintain or increase the current income limits for elderly and disabled tax exemptions.

The City of Portsmouth Public Art Review Committee (PARC) is now accepting proposals for a limited number of grants available through the Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary Education and Public Art Trust. The grants support projects that enrich and educate Portsmouth K to 12 students in exploring the City's history, heritage, and cultural identity.

The City of Portsmouth Department of Public Works is hosting an Elwyn Park Sidewalks and 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.

The 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!