AGP Executive Report

Housing & Real Estate: New Hampshire’s home market is still running hot: the median single-family price hit a new record $576,000 in May (up from $560,000 in April), while pending sales climbed to the highest monthly total in four years—another affordability stress test for buyers. Child & Family Policy: A new Kids Count Data Book finds child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with education taking the biggest hit and mental health concerns rising nationwide. Energy & Infrastructure: Jaffrey is moving ahead with a community solar project on a capped municipal landfill, with ReVision Energy leading construction and the array expected online in early 2027. Business & Jobs: New Hampshire’s private-sector employment grew in summer 2025, but the seasonal bump was smaller than the long-run average—suggesting expansion continues, just with less hiring lift. Public Safety & Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, ruling police acted under exigent circumstances. Local Economy & Tourism: Laconia Motorcycle Week is set to draw big crowds, with organizers targeting up to 300,000 visitors over 10 days. Commercial Real Estate Deals: Colliers brokered a Nashua five-unit multifamily sale for $875,000, and NAI Norwood Group completed a 30,000+ s/f Hooksett retail space transaction.

Affordability & Talent Pipeline: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute analysis warns that high housing costs are pushing young adults out of the state, threatening future workforce growth. Legal & Public Safety: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction in the death of 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery, citing a flawed trial setup. Business Growth: Winchester Economic Development Corp. opened Opportunity Drive, a new access road to Stone Mountain Business Park, unlocking more land for companies. Energy & Utilities: Eversource says the electric grid is ready for summer heat demand and urges customers to cut usage to manage bills. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and the need for better coordination. Local Deals & Development: Regulators approved a new Upper Valley surgery center in Vermont, aiming to reduce wait times with a cheaper outpatient option. Corporate/Legal Recognition: Sheehan Phinney earned top Chambers USA rankings for 2026, with multiple practice areas and attorneys honored. Community & Preservation: PROCON and Easterseals NH received a Preservation Achievement Award for the restored Veterans Campus at Daniel Webster Farm.

Housing & Cost Pressures: New Hampshire’s median single-family home price hit a new record of $576,000 under Kelly Ayotte, with first-time buyers “getting hurt the most” as summer demand could push prices even higher. Inflation Politics: A new inflation report (4.2% annual rate) is fueling fresh attacks on Ayotte over whether she “loves inflation,” as families juggle gas, food, and health-care costs. Social Security Risk: A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could be cut by about $500 per month on average if the retirement trust fund is depleted as projected in 2032. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and its jobs impact, with leaders pointing to growth opportunities and collaboration needs. Water & Drought: Severe drought in parts of NH is triggering tougher water restrictions, including Level 4 limits in Exeter. Tech & Health: Spotify removed tens of thousands of phony podcasts promoting illegal online pharmacies, drawing renewed scrutiny on platform enforcement. Local Development: Salem planners advanced an Open Spaces Master Plan aimed at preserving natural resources amid population growth and development pressure.

Housing & Cost of Living: New Hampshire’s single-family home median hit a new record of about $576,000 in May, with Rockingham County topping $717,500—pushing first-time buyers further out as supply stays tight. Child Well-Being: NH again ranked No. 1 nationally in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count for child well-being, scoring highest overall for the fourth straight year. Workforce & Migration: A growing number of newcomers say NH’s outdoor lifestyle and work-life balance are helping employers compete for younger talent. Local Business & Community Giving: Franklin Savings Bank donated $1,000 to CASA of New Hampshire to support volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children. Energy Policy: New England governors urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission profit increase, warning it could raise costs for households and businesses. Public Safety: Police say an 18-year-old brother was charged in the fatal shooting of his 21-year-old sister in Thornton. Politics & Business Climate: Gov. Kelly Ayotte highlighted Analogic’s Salem HQ opening and relocation of 500 jobs as proof of NH’s pro-business pull. Nonprofit Pressure: Mary’s Dogs Rescue is seeking a new home after a reported 90% rent increase threatens its Northwood facility.

Education & Workforce Policy: As New Hampshire’s legislative session winds down, education debates stayed front and center, but lawmakers largely rejected new public school mandates—Republicans and Democrats both failed to advance major curriculum and school-experience proposals. Nuclear Power & Energy Markets: Nuclear power drove the energy fight in Concord, with two bills now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte after earlier setbacks and veto concerns tied to ratepayer impacts. Local Government & School Administration: Pittsfield will pay the Concord School District $260,000 to handle more than 20 administrative categories instead of hiring a new superintendent—an unusual model that could spread as budgets tighten. Clean Energy Uncertainty: Net metering’s future remains murky, raising questions about how long-term policy stability will affect solar investment. Business Moves & Jobs: Gov. Ayotte welcomed Analogic’s new Salem HQ, bringing hundreds of jobs; TerraCycle Commercial also acquired NLR Inc., expanding regulated waste recycling capacity across the Northeast. Legal & Media: ASCAP sued four radio groups over alleged continued music airing after license terminations. Public Safety & Health: A new report says suicide deaths fell nationally but rose in New Hampshire (up 12% from 2023-2024), while the NH Army National Guard prepares a Middle East deployment. Community & Economy: Laconia extended its downtown social district drinking hours to 9 p.m. to support local businesses during summer events.

Child Well-Being: New Hampshire again ranks No. 1 in the KIDS COUNT Data Book, scoring 838/1,000 as poverty and parents lacking secure employment improve, even as education and other gaps remain. Banking & Housing Finance: Bank of NH leaders warn that fast, unpredictable interest-rate swings are making lending harder for community banks, with knock-on effects for business borrowing and affordability strategies like manufactured homes and ADUs. Local Housing Development: Lawrence city commissioners deferred a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for senior affordable housing, citing unanswered questions—especially around parking and timing for LIHTC funding. Energy & Power Costs: National Grid is starting a major Massachusetts transmission upgrade that will be paid by ratepayers across New England, raising questions about when bills could change. Tech & Jobs: Analogic opened a new Salem, N.H. global headquarters, consolidating operations and bringing about 500 jobs. Compliance & AI Risk: A legal alert flags growing use of AI call transcription tools by RIAs, warning of wiretapping, privacy, and SEC recordkeeping exposure. Child Care & Education Costs: Concord teachers’ pay increases in a new contract are relatively low compared with police and fire, amid a reported school budget shortfall. Business & Community: The NH Soccer Project and local bars are hosting World Cup watch parties statewide, betting on match-day crowds for local businesses.

Housing Market: New Hampshire’s median single-family home price hit a new record of $579,900 in May, up from $569,000 last year, with Rockingham County’s median reaching $717,500—pushing more first-time buyers out as supply stays tight. Social Security: A CBS report renews pressure on John Sununu’s record, warning Social Security could face insolvency by 2032 and cut typical benefits by about $500 a month in New Hampshire. Health Care Enforcement: New York AG Letitia James and DOJ secured a $36.5 million settlement from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, with $2.25 million earmarked for New York’s Medicaid programs. Mental Health Access: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s New Hampshire president says demand for behavioral health care is rising, but families still struggle to find support quickly. Community & Nonprofits: Mary’s Dogs Rescue is scrambling after a 90% rent increase forces it out of its Northwood facility; it’s launching a capital campaign to buy a new site in Barrington. Workforce & Local Economy: A new national aquaculture push will include UNH as host, with UH as a core partner in a $13.5 million consortium aimed at strengthening U.S. seafood supply.

NH Gives & Local Nonprofits: New Hampshire’s statewide giving drive kicks off Tuesday, June 9, with a record 700+ nonprofits registered and a focus on filling gaps left by federal funding cuts—plus a reminder that local journalism underpins housing, schools, health, and public safety. Energy & Costs: A new report argues New England’s high power bills are tied to overreliance on LNG and calls for offshore wind and broader energy diversification to stabilize prices. First Responders & Community Support: Bank of New Hampshire backs Camp Resilience’s first responder retiree retreat and funds a Laconia regional training facility; Golden View Health Care Center is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible van through NH Gives. Tourism Watch: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen meets Lakes Region tourism leaders on gas prices and fewer Canadian visitors, with businesses split between concerns and optimism for summer. Politics & Business Climate: House GOP leaders tout tax and housing wins as the session ends, including small business tax relief and a plan to put property tax caps to a statewide vote. Workforce & Education: UMaine launches new doctoral nursing programs to address nurse educator shortages, with enrollment expected in 2027. Local Economy: Franklin Savings Bank becomes a legacy sponsor of the Belknap Mill Museum’s 2026 season.

Senior Living Leadership: Danielle Nickerson, a Bethel resident with nearly a decade in Vermont senior healthcare, was named executive director of The Village at White River Junction in Benchmark’s assisted living and mind & memory care community. Tourism & Recreation: New Hampshire’s ski industry logged its busiest season since 2011, with 2.28 million visits in 2025-26—helped by a colder-than-usual Dec–Feb and the “backyard effect” that pulls people onto slopes. Energy & Infrastructure: An opinion piece argues offshore wind is the best path to stabilize New England power costs as the region leans heavily on volatile LNG and faces rising demand. Child Care Costs: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says center-based infant and 4-year-old care hit about $30,000 in 2025, while licensed providers dropped 14%—raising pressure on working families. Local Governance & Elections: A Community Conversation event pushed back on voter-confidence fears, with speakers saying New Hampshire elections remain accurate and transparent. Workforce & Wages: Hitchiner Manufacturing raised its starting hourly wage to $25.77 as it shifts toward a living-wage model to attract and retain advanced manufacturing workers. Business & Community: A ShopRite soccer-themed promo tour is set to run across multiple East Coast markets, with brand partners supporting on-site activations. Crime & Finance: Federal authorities arrested suspects tied to a $500,000+ bank and wire fraud scheme that targeted financial institutions across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Construction Industry Recognition: O&G Industries was named ENR New England 2026 Contractor of the Year for transportation and high-performance civic building work. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reported Rockingham County’s lowest midgrade gas at $4.49 for the week ending May 30, with broader price volatility continuing nationwide.

NH Housing & Taxes: House Speaker Sherman Packard says the session’s housing push and a local tax cap vote are meant to help businesses find workers who can afford to live where they work. NH Politics & Candidates: The filing rush is setting up a busy 2026 ballot, with U.S. Senate contenders including Chris Pappas and John Sununu expected to file soon, plus multiple GOP and Executive Council races to watch. Business Tax Deal: A compromise on the Business Enterprise Tax cut adds revenue “triggers” and raises the filing threshold, aiming to address lawmakers’ revenue-loss concerns while still cutting taxes. Energy & Cost Pressure: AAA reports higher gas prices tied to Middle East tensions, with New Hampshire still below some neighbors but households feeling the squeeze. Local Economy & Workforce: A Northeast National Security Conference in Nashua highlights New Hampshire’s growing role in advanced manufacturing tied to defense and security. Community & Health: CMS data show NH Catholic Charities-owned Mount Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center maintained a strong overall rating in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties. Tech & AI Sentiment: A new poll finds Granite Staters both concerned about AI and increasingly using it.

U.S. Senate race in NH: Rep. Chris Pappas is pitching his bid for New Hampshire’s next U.S. senator on checks-and-balances and a fairer economy, framing the contest as a swing-state test for Democrats. AI attitudes: A new Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to hurt the U.S. overall, even as some continue to use it. Energy costs: Gas prices are staying volatile as Middle East tensions and supply disruptions push costs higher; AAA puts New Hampshire regular at about $4.485 per gallon in the latest snapshot. Defense manufacturing: About 200 people packed Nashua for the Northeast National Security Conference, highlighting how New Hampshire’s advanced manufacturing is feeding military and security needs. Local food access: Granite State Market Match is back, doubling SNAP/EBT value at participating farmers markets and farm stands to help families buy more local produce. Data center backlash: Nottingham’s planning board is holding a special meeting after a proposed data center drew intense community opposition. Business & labor: USA TODAY reports fewer major layoff notices in May alongside steady job growth, a sign the labor market is still holding up. Community power: A NH program update says community power coalitions now serve dozens of programs and hundreds of thousands of customers statewide.

NH Nursing Home Ownership: CMS data show Mount Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hillsborough County was owned by NH Catholic Charities, Inc. in Q1 2026, with a strong overall rating of 4 and no fines or penalties during the quarter. Labor Market Watch: A new national snapshot finds major U.S. employers issued fewer layoff notices in May, while job growth stayed solid—useful context for NH businesses watching hiring and risk. AI Sentiment in NH: A UNH Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to hurt the U.S. overall, even as concern and usage both remain in the mix. Fuel Prices Roundup: GasBuddy reports show premium and diesel prices easing in parts of NH in the week ending May 30, with several county “lowest” deals highlighted. Local Transportation: C&J Bus Lines is adding late-night service between Seacoast NH and Boston, starting June 25, plus a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle. Community Food Access: Granite State Market Match is back, doubling SNAP/EBT value at participating NH farmers markets and offering 50% off at farm stands and CSAs. Data Center Backlash: Nottingham’s planning board is still weighing a proposed data center after heavy public pushback and a withdrawn application.

Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports show premium prices easing in several NH counties in the week ending May 30, with the lowest premium at $4.69 in Rockingham and $4.79 in Carroll, while midgrade lows hit $4.45 in Grafton and $4.79 in Sullivan. AI & Public Opinion: A new UNH Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to hurt the country over the next decade, and 45% oppose building more AI data centers in New Hampshire. Local Governance & Data Centers: Nottingham’s data center fight is still simmering as residents push back on water, noise, and electricity impacts, with state law and planning authority now in the spotlight. Legal/Regulatory: Gordon-Darby Holdings is renewing its effort to keep New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing program alive through court action tied to federal Clean Air Act arguments. Transportation & Business: C&J Bus Lines is expanding late-night service between Seacoast NH and Boston starting June 25, adding Thursday–Saturday departures and a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle. Regional Energy Policy: New England states and others are challenging an offshore wind settlement that canceled a TotalEnergies lease, arguing federal officials acted unlawfully.

Fraud Crackdown: Federal agents arrested five out-of-state suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire and bank fraud scheme that targeted at least a dozen financial institutions across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, with more arrests expected. AI & Data Centers: A UNH study finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters think AI will worsen the country, while 45% oppose any continued plans for AI data centers—fueling local fights like the Nottingham proposal. Electricity Costs: New Hampshire saw residential electricity prices jump about 18% year over year, placing it among the fastest-rising states—another hit to household budgets as grid and demand pressures grow. Social Security Warning: A new report says Social Security retirement benefits could be cut about 24% by 2032, averaging roughly $500 less per month, with New Hampshire listed among states facing larger reductions. Housing & Land Use: New Hampshire home prices hit a new May record ($575,000 median), and a separate proposal in Lawrence would sell a downtown parking lot for affordable senior housing. Local Business Support: The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund awarded $100,000 in accelerator grants to 29 small businesses statewide, aiming to close gaps left by pandemic relief.

Housing & Local Deals: Lawrence city commissioners will weigh selling a downtown public parking lot for $100,000 to support a 94-unit affordable senior housing project, a sign of how municipalities are monetizing underused land to address affordability. Education & Workforce: Unitil’s Scholarship Fund awarded $5,000 STEM scholarships to six students across New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, backing the next pipeline of science and tech talent. Real Estate: New Hampshire home prices hit a new statewide record in May, with the median single-family sale price rising to $575,000 as supply stays tight. Energy & Costs: AAA reports national regular gas prices down to about $4.24, while New Hampshire’s premium gas in Belknap County dipped to $4.95 in the week ending May 30. Public Finance Watch: The state treasurer is seeking an ESA vendor to strengthen auditing and oversight after concerns about misspending and fraud in Arizona’s school choice program. Policy & Accountability: A federal lawsuit challenges Pentagon actions targeting Stars and Stripes, arguing they violate protections for editorial independence. Social Security Risk: A new analysis warns trust fund depletion by 2032 could trigger automatic benefit cuts averaging about $500 per month nationwide.

Workforce & Training: ApprenticeshipNH, Manchester Community College and the NH Food Bank launched a one-year Preparation Cook Registered Apprenticeship Program, pairing paid on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom instruction in Manchester to help close the hospitality workforce gap. Construction & Local Business: PROCON won the 2026 AGC of NH “Best in Building” award for the Lighthouse Credit Union headquarters, highlighting its renovation of a vacant office building and use of in-house LiDAR for planning. State Tax Policy: New Hampshire lawmakers passed a business enterprise tax change that raises the BET filing threshold to $400,000 and includes $2.5 million to boost Medicaid provider rates at state nursing homes, with Democrats warning an automatic rate-cut trigger could strain future budgets. Housing & Development: Lawrence city commissioners will consider selling a downtown parking lot for affordable senior housing, a deal that would replace 74 public parking spaces with a 94-unit rent-controlled complex plus ground-floor retail. Public Safety: A Portsmouth man, Daniel Jolly, was arrested and charged in the 1993 homicide of Maine woman Maxine Bitomski, with extradition to Maine pending. Economy Watch: The median home sale price in New Hampshire hit a new record of $575,000 in May, as experts note prices often peak in summer. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported diesel prices easing in parts of the state, with Rockingham County’s lowest regular diesel at $4.99 for the week ending May 30.