City Council Priority Setting Session - February 19, 2026

The City Council of Concord, NH, held a priority setting session focused on establishing strategic goals for the upcoming period. The council emphasized fiscal responsibility, aiming to adopt a balanced budget that minimizes tax rate impacts while maintaining the city's strong bond rating and maximizing federal and state funding. Economic and community development, infrastructure investment, and housing stability with human services coordination were also highlighted as key priorities. Discussions included the importance of clear communication with the public about fiscal policies, tax relief options, and the revaluation process. The council considered streamlining priorities to focus on a few critical areas while retaining other important issues as secondary. They also discussed the need for stable city planning staff, support for small businesses through mentorship programs, and the potential for a capital improvement plan to better manage large projects. The session underscored the council's intent to guide city administration's work plans and budget proposals in alignment with these priorities, ensuring responsiveness to community needs and fiscal prudence.