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Regional Master Plan Survey 2025

Regional Master Plan Survey 2025

Regional Master Plan Survey 2025

The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) is updating the Regional Master Plan and seeking input from residents, elected officials, landowners, and businesses. The Regional Master Plan covers 27 communities in Rockingham County and is the guiding document for shaping where we live, work, and play over the next 20-30 years. This survey is the first step in the update process. 

This survey covers the topics -  including housing, transportation, economic development, and the environment -  that are important for making decisions about the future of the region!

The last Regional Master Plan update was in 2015. The current Regional Master Plan is available on the RPC website at www.therpc.org/regional-community-planning/regional-master-plan.

This survey is open until May 15, 2025 and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. You will have the opportunity to elaborate on any of your answers. The survey is anonymous, but results will be published. Any identifying information will not be published.

If you would like to receive additional notices about the Master Plan update process, please include your contact information at the end of the survey. (Please note that contact information will not be published, nor are survey results connected with contact information.)

Thank you for your input about the future of the region!

About us:  Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) is one of nine regional planning commissions in New Hampshire. The Commission provides planning services & technical assistance to twenty-seven communities in the RPC region based in the southeastern corner of the state. For questions, please contact Jenn Rowden, RPC Land Use Program Manager at jrowden@therpc.org or 603-658-0521.

1. Which community do you live in?

Closed to responses

2. What are the top 3 reasons why you live in this region?

You will have the option to elaborate in the comment box below the question.

Proximity to employment opportunities
Outdoor and recreation opportunities
Affordability
Rural New England character
Living close to family and friends
Rich history
Quality of schools
Low crime rates
Proximity to coast
Natural beauty
Proximity to urban areas (Boston , Portland, Manchester)
Strong sense of community
Business opportunities
Proximity to medical services
No state income tax
Other
Closed to responses

3. What issues do you think need attention in the region? (Select the top 3 priority issues)

Population changes (Aging population, birth rates)
Loss of rural character (Loss of open space, urban sprawl, decline of agriculture, loss of historic features)
Environmental damage (Air and water quality, biodiversity, loss of habitat)
Natural disasters and climate-related events (Flooding, storms, drought, heat, wildfires)
Economic vitality (Unemployment, cost of living, decline of small businesses)
Shortage of housing (Lack of affordable housing options)
Lack of transportation options (Public transit, safe places to walk and bike)
Energy consumption and efficiency (Heating and cooling efficiency, transportation and housing energy savings)
Trash removal and recycling
Other
Closed to responses

4. What issues do you think need attention in your community? (Select the top 3 priority issues)

Population changes (Aging population, birth rates)
Loss of rural character (Loss of open space, urban sprawl, decline of agriculture, loss of historic features)
Environmental damage (Air and water quality, biodiversity, loss of habitat)
Natural disasters and climate-related events (Flooding, storms, drought, heat, wildfires)
Economic vitality (Unemployment, cost of living, decline of small businesses)
Shortage of housing (Lack of affordable housing options)
Lack of transportation options (Public transit, safe places to walk and bike)
Energy consumption and efficiency (Heating and cooling efficiency, transportation and housing energy savings)
Trash removal and recycling
Other
Closed to responses

5. Which of the issues do you think should be the top priorities for the investment in the region? (Select the top 3 priorities)

Affordable housing choices
45%
Environmental protection and natural resources conservation
44%
Enhancing and protecting water resources
36%
Safe and reliable transportation choices including walking and biking
30%
Protecting historic buildings & neighborhoods
24%
Infrastructure modernization to support future development
23%
Supporting economic development
21%
Supporting clean energy and efficiency
20%
Preparedness for weather-related events and emergencies
17%
Enhancing education opportunities
14%
Other
6%
Trash collection and recycling
6%
Closed to responses | 822 Responses

6. Which of the issues do you think should be the top priorities for the investment in your community? (Select the top 3 priorities)

Affordable housing choices
Safe and reliable transportation choices including walking and biking
Environmental protection and natural resources conservation
Enhancing and protecting water resources
Supporting clean energy and efficiency
Protecting historic buildings & neighborhoods
Supporting economic development
Enhancing education opportunities
Trash collection and recycling
Infrastructure modernization to support future development
Preparedness for weather-related events and emergencies
Other
Closed to responses

7. Where should development occur in this region? (Select all that apply)

In areas where development already exists
Along existing major roads
Areas that may not be currently developed but have the infrastructure to support development, such as water and sewer connections
Undeveloped areas
Unsure/Neutral
Closed to responses

8. By dragging pins, indicate on the map to indicate places where you would prefer new development to happen, where you would prefer no more development, and where you would prefer more dense development.

You can also add comments or upload an image to any indicated location.

9. How would you describe your ideal living situation and location? (Select all that apply)

Living in a downtown/town center
Living close to a downtown/town center
Living further away from a downtown/town center
Living in a sparsely developed/rural area
Living in a neighborhood with a mix of residences and restaurants, shops, services, etc.
Living in a strictly residential neighborhood
Having a smaller lot and home with a potentially shorter commute
Having a larger lot and home with a potentially longer commute
Having bicycling, walking, or public transit commutes
Driving a vehicle to commute
Closed to responses

10. Do you agree or disagree that the region needs more of the following housing types?

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11. Do you agree or disagree that the following are problems for our region's transportation system?

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12. What do you think should be our top priorities for the region's transportation system? (Select the top 3 priorities)

Keeping existing roads and bridges in good condition.
Reducing congestion, traffic, or bottlenecks on roadways.
Improving the resiliency of the transportation system to extreme weather and climate-related events like flooding.
Expanding and improving the frequency, accessibility, and reliability of public transportation.
Improving or expanding passenger rail service.
Expanding and improving access to transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.
Expanding and improving the safety of the bicycle and pedestrian network.
Promoting the usage of alternative fuels and electricity for transportation
Closed to responses

13. Do you agree or disagree that the following destinations or services are accessible if you could not drive?

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14. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements related to natural hazards?

Natural hazards can include, but are not limited to, flooding, coastal storms, wildfires, drought, winter storms, and extreme heat or cold temperatures.

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15. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "The natural hazards listed below are significantly impacting my community."

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16. Do you agree or disagree that the following strategies are effective in addressing natural hazards in the region?

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17. Which of these should be the top environmental protection priorities in the region? (Select the top 3 priorities.)

Protecting the quality of drinking water supplies
Protecting the quality of water for recreational purposes like swimming and fishing
Protecting water bodies for animal and plant life
Preserving open space and agricultural land
Protecting air quality
Managing shoreland and waterfront development
Protecting forests
Improving access for recreation purposes
Reducing waste
Enhancing biodiversity and wildlife conservation
Addressing climate change impacts
Encouraging renewable energy
Closed to responses

18. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements related to recycling and waste reduction?

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19. Would you be willing to participate in more recycling programs if they are made available?

Yes
No
I don't know
Closed to responses

20. Have you ever participated in a household hazardous waste collection in the region?

Yes
No
I'm not sure
Closed to responses

21. Would you like additional opportunities to dispose of your household hazardous waste, beyond what is currently offered in your community?

Yes
No
I'm not sure
Closed to responses

22. What additional household hazardous waste opportunities would be beneficial to you? (Check all that apply)

A permanent facility that would allow me to dispose of household hazardous waste on an ongoing, year-round basis
68%
More collections from April through October
33%
Curbside collection of household hazardous waste at my home
22%
Single day collection events that are geographically closer to my home
21%
Collection opportunities between November and April
17%
Closed to responses | 625 Responses

23. In what year were you born?

Closed to responses

24. How many years have you lived in the region?

I've lived in the region my entire life.
I've lived in the region for 0-5 years
I've lived in the region for 6-20 years
I've lived in the region for 20+ years
I decline to answer
Closed to responses

25. What is your total household income before taxes?

Less than $30,000
$30,001 to $60,000
$60,001 to $90,000
$90,001 to $120,000
$120,001 to $150,000
$150,001 to $200,000
More than $200,000
Unsure/I decline to answer
Closed to responses

26. Do you have any other suggestions to improve the region that you would like to share with us?

Closed for Comments
Contact Information

Please sign up for the Rockingham Planning Commission's monthly newsletter to learn about future efforts related to the Regional Master Plan update and planning in the region.

(Note that contact information will not be tied to responses to the survey and no contact information will be published.)