Get Involved with the Master Plan

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

Sign up for the Master Plan email list for important project updates and public event notices.

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2. Participate in the Pol.is Survey and Comment Cards

The planning team will launch a digital survey and comment cards in the late spring to learn from community members what issues, themes, big ideas, and opportunities exist in neighborhoods and communities throughout Portsmouth.

You can find comment cards at publicly accessible locations throughout Portsmouth like City Hall, Libraries, Community Campus, Senior Centers, 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.

Pol.is survey coming soon.

3. Attend an Upcoming Event

Public Open Houses

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 in the Levenson Community Room at the Portsmouth Public Library.
  • Draft Plan Open House: April 2026

See all the upcoming events.

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  (June–November 2025)
  • Listening Tour 2: Draft Plan (February–April 2026)

4. 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.”