Attendees at the NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup's "What Are People Saying About Taking Action on Climate?" Workshop. ( SRPC Photo)
Planning

Principal regional planner Kyle Pimental attended the Coastal Adaptation Workgroup's (CAW) "What Are People Saying About Taking Action On Climate?" workshop on Monday, May 13. The overall goal of the event was to prepare attendees for discussions about climate in difficult or uncomfortable settings.
 
The workshop kicked off with a review of data by Dr. Lawrence Hamilton, Professor of Sociology and Senior Fellow in the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire, and Dr. Matt Cutler, Social Scientist at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Their overview included reporting on a variety of statistics gathered from survey questions from a variety of demographics over the past ten years. This allowed for Cutler and Hamilton to highlight trends and changes in how people view climate action, climate policy, and resilience building efforts.
 
Afterward, attendees discussed tips for how to engage in climate conversations that are considerate   and worthwhile for all participants of all backgrounds. An interactive summary video was shown, which is available online .
 
NH CAW's next event, the Maine & New Hampshire Beaches Conference takes place from June 13-14. Learn more on CAW's website .

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Transportation

Strafford Regional Planning Commission, serving as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), has released its 2020 Metro Plan survey. This survey will help staffers understand the needs and challenges of the transportation network from the best source possible - the people that live and work in the region every day and use the system most! 
 
The survey is online , and can be taken up until Jun. 13. Responses will be used to update to the current Metro Plan, the comprehensive transportation plan for our region which reviews existing transportation infrastructure, goals, and strategies to look at where the region will be in the year 2045. The plan also informs programming of projects and funds to best meet the needs of our region.

Please help spread the word and share the survey with your friends and networks.
 
Learn more on the SRPC website .

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Economic Development

Shayna Sylvia, Communications and Outreach Planner attended a meeting of the CommuteSmart NH Events subcomittee this week to discuss outreach for the upcoming statewide challenge. Committee member are now recruiting businesses as the start of the CommuteSmart NH statewide challenge is fast approaching.
 
This pilot challenge will take place in the month of June and is a business to business competition, encouraging companies to create teams and compete against others in the state in an effort to win the award for most sustainable trips. Modes accepted for the challenge include car/van/motorpooling, riding a bike or skateboard, walking, taking transit, and telecommuting.
 
The challenge is a great way for employers to encourage teamwork within the office, and for employees to save money and win incentives. Businesses and organizations may register for the challenge, or get more information by contacting Shayna Sylvia at 603-994-3500.
 
View complete challenge details online .

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Strafford Regional Planning Commission | 603-994-3500 | srpc@strafford.org | www.strafford.org
May 17, 2019