Economic Development
Strafford Economic Development District (EDD) held its monthly economic development brown bag lunch at the Rochester Annex. These informal meetings, which are an expansion of those previously held in Durham, give the EDD staff and appointed and elected officials an opportunity to discuss economic development in the region. They are also a chance for participants to share important news from their communities, ask questions, and learn from each other.
Regional Economic Development Planner James Burdin facilitated the meeting with Colin Lentz, senior transportation planner, and Nancy O'Connor, program content coordinator. It was attended by Jennifer Marsh, Barbara Holstein, Michael Scala, and Blaine Cox from Rochester; Robin Comstock from Somersworth; Dan Barufaldi from Dover; and Dennis McCann from the Strafford Economic Development Corporation.
The group discussed regional planning challenges around the link between transportation, housing, and jobs. The conversation was wide-ranging: from how national economic factors affect families’ and individuals’ decisions about attending college, to how communities can support homeless citizens. The group also focused on how to attract and retain members of a strong workforce in the Strafford area and seacoast. These issues will be addressed in an upcoming update to the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Contact
James Burdin
, senior regional planner, at 603-994-3500 for more information.
Pieces of Interest