AGP Executive Report

Housing & Workforce: NH Businesses for Social Responsibility says employers define “business-friendly” as housing, childcare, and education that let workers afford to live and stay—citing examples from the Upper Valley, Manchester area, and Seacoast. Housing Finance: New Hampshire’s Community Development Finance Authority awarded $1.5M in tax credits to four Greater Nashua nonprofits, including Harbor Care’s plan for 27 affordable units plus transitional housing. State Housing Policy: The Legislature sent three housing bills to Gov. Kelly Ayotte aimed at easing barriers in commercial zones, parking rules, and dead-end roads. Real Estate Lawsuit: A Bedford investor is suing to rescind a $1.625M Keene apartment complex sale, alleging misrepresentation about occupancy, finances, and construction history. Energy/Regulation: An energy expert questions NERC spending and calls for a probe into missing public financial statements. Defense Supply Chain: DOD conditional loans totaling about $1.2B back rare-earth processing, including Phoenix Tailings’ New Hampshire/Massachusetts expansion. Broadband Buildout: Sertex Broadband Solutions acquired Maine’s Trenchworks, adding crews and capacity for fiber deployment across northern New England. Med Spa Growth: The Alchemy Clinic in Manchester was named a Top 10 med spa in New Hampshire. Animal Welfare Rule: A new NH law requires statewide “best practices” for pig scrambles starting in 2027.

Housing & Community Development: NH’s Community Development Finance Authority awarded $1.5M in tax credits to four Greater Nashua nonprofits, including Harbor Care’s plan to redevelop 10–14 Amherst St. into 27 affordable units plus transitional housing. Housing Policy: The Legislature sent three housing bills to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, targeting commercial-zone development, parking rules, and dead-end road barriers. Workforce Housing Funding: InvestNH 2.0 approved $5.1M for 563 new units statewide, with 30 units in Jaffrey (including workforce housing at the former St. Patrick’s School site). Broadband & Construction: Sertex Broadband Solutions will acquire Trenchworks Inc., adding crews and expanding fiber deployment across northern New England, with leadership coverage for Maine and NH. Defense Supply Chain: The Pentagon committed $1.2B in conditional loans tied to rare-earth processing, including Phoenix Tailings’ expansion and a new separation/metallization “Freedom Facility” in NH and MA. Animal Welfare Law: A new NH law requires state “best practices” for pig scrambles starting in 2027, aiming to reduce harm from plastic-bag handling. Business Moves: EPTAM Precision Solutions rolled out Novunex eQMS across its medical device manufacturing network. Energy & Cost Watch: AAA says gas prices fell as summer travel ramps up, with the national average down to about $3.99.

Harbor Logistics: Sail Boston’s 250th anniversary is putting Boston tug operators in the spotlight, with crews saying their work is essential yet often invisible—pushing and pulling massive cargo through tight waterways like Chelsea Creek. Home Energy Costs: New Hampshire residents looking to beat summer heat can tap NHSaves rebates for room AC turn-ins and new ENERGY STAR units, plus additional support for central systems and heat pumps. Data Center Backlash: Ohio activists say they’re shelving this year’s ballot bid to ban most data centers, aiming instead for 2027 as they keep signature gathering and community pressure going. Defense Industrial Base: A look at why ramping B-21 Raider production fast is “nearly impossible” in the short term, even with huge funding—highlighting real manufacturing constraints. Local Agriculture: A Londonderry strawberry farm says dry, hot conditions are forcing higher prices and heavier reliance on irrigation. Public Safety: A volunteer rescuer was seriously injured during a hypothermia rescue on Mount Lafayette, as multiple search-and-rescue teams worked through cold rain and low visibility. NH Economy & Workforce: NH’s business news points to summer employment growth as hiring picks up. Tax Policy Watch: A flurry of state tax collection rankings underscores how license-tax revenue varies widely across categories and states.

NH Business: New Hampshire’s summer job growth is picking up, but the long-term trend still worries economists: private-sector summer employment gains have lagged pre-pandemic norms, with notable softness in accommodations/food service, arts/entertainment, retail, and even construction—plus a big hit from fewer Canadian tourists. Public Health: A rare tickborne illness called Bourbon virus is drawing attention after a New York man’s case highlighted how easily it can be missed when Lyme tests come back negative. Seafood & Research: NOAA is backing a new aquaculture research push with UNH leading the institute, aiming to make U.S. seafood production safer, more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective. Energy & Costs: Gas prices are easing nationally as crude prices cool, while insurance math remains a pressure point—California is projected to see steep premium jumps, with Maine among the few states seeing declines. Local Economy & Growth: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President, expanding leadership across New England and the Northeast. Safety: Multiple New Hampshire Route 3 head-on crashes and a White Mountains hypothermia rescue underscore ongoing summer travel and outdoor risks.

Public Safety: A deadly head-on crash on Route 3 in Columbia killed Courtney Diamond, 25, and left a family of five seriously hurt; Route 3 was closed about 3½ hours while troopers investigated. Outdoor & Tourism: The Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic crowned Abe Waterman with a 22-foot AI-themed piece, while Hampton Beach also outlined safety plans for a busy summer season. Local Business & Growth: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President effective July 1, expanding leadership across HUB Northeast and HUB New England, including New Hampshire. Health & Caregiving: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program, adding New Hampshire to reach 32 states plus Puerto Rico. Energy & Travel Costs: AAA reported the national average gas price slipped below $4 as summer travel ramps up, citing crude market shifts. Housing & Development: A Nottingham AI data center proposal drew fresh pushback over noise and water impacts. Agriculture: Strawberry season is underway across New Hampshire, with farms reporting timing shifts tied to recent weather.

Severe Crash on Route 3: A woman died and a family of five was badly hurt after a head-on collision in Columbia Friday night. NH State Police say a southbound Silverado crossed the center line and hit a northbound Camaro; the Camaro driver, 25-year-old Courtney Diamond of Pelham, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Silverado family was taken first to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, then transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Route 3 closed about 3½ hours while troopers investigated. Mountain Rescue: Two out-of-state hikers were pulled from the White Mountains after hypothermia set in near Mount Lafayette in Franconia. Fish and Game says they had no lights, poor visibility, and no warm clothing; rescuers from the AMC and local search-and-rescue teams warmed and carried one unresponsive hiker to safety. Insurance & Caregiving Support: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program, adding New Hampshire and other states to bring coverage to 32 states plus Puerto Rico, reaching about half of the U.S. population. Health Spending Watch: New Hampshire Medicaid billing data shows rising local costs tied to care delivery—Rochester saw higher payments for non-oral drug administration in 2024, while Portsmouth dental claims and Dover ambulance/transport claims also climbed. Business Leadership: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President effective July 1, expanding his role across HUB Northeast and HUB New England. Weather & Travel Costs: AAA reports the national gas average at $3.95 amid lingering Iran-conflict impacts, while NH weather coverage flagged volatile conditions and Monday rain potential.

Seacoast Public Safety: Officials met at Hampton Beach to push safer driving, hydration, and rip-current awareness ahead of the Fourth of July, while Hampton Police said they’re reviewing footage and holding people accountable after a prior beach takeover. Road Safety & Accidents: Police chief Matt Canfield urged helmet use and responsible alcohol choices during Laconia Motorcycle Week after multiple recent crashes, including serious injuries. Severe Weather Damage: A storm system brought high winds and heavy rain across the Lakes Region; Tuftonboro reported damage and officials said they couldn’t confirm a tornado but saw wind consistent with 60+ mph gusts. Transportation Incident: A Northwood man was seriously hurt after crashing a motorcycle into an NH DOT truck on the Kancamagus Highway. Rural Health & Housing: Coverage highlighted New Hampshire’s rural health funding push tied to GO-NORTH and Medicaid-driven nursing home budget strain, plus a broader look at housing affordability and homebuilding gaps. Business & Industry: Lamacchia Realty expanded into Vermont, and NH Business Review shared local workforce and health-insurance stress snapshots. Arts & Community: Opera North’s Summerfest 2026 brings “Ballad of Baby Doe” to Cornish, and Commonweal Theatre’s “No Wake” spotlights loons on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Trade & Jobs: A new look at USMCA’s next review spotlights New Hampshire’s $2.75B in trade with Canada and the big role of Canadian energy imports, including $447M in fuel oil. Rural Health Funding: NH’s GO-NORTH and Rural Health Transformation push aims to use $200M+ to rebuild rural care delivery, not just facilities—covering primary/behavioral health, workforce, and barriers like transport and childcare. Healthcare Costs: Nursing homes in Epsom are adjusting after Medicaid rate cuts, with one facility swapping beef for turkey as grocery and fuel costs rise. Public Safety: Hampton Beach officials outline summer plans and enforcement after a prior “beach takeover,” while state police used a K-9 to find a missing woman in Jefferson. Local Governance: Croydon officials cite stalking and threats tied to disrupted town services, raising concerns for municipal staff safety. Business & Expansion: Lamacchia Realty expands into Vermont, completing its New England footprint. Environment & Forecasting: New research from Mount Washington suggests rainfall history matters as much as wind origin for predicting air pollution. Industry Leadership: Hub International names Paul Collins Northeast area president, adding responsibility for HUB New England. Energy Prices: AAA reports gas averages dipping below $4 as summer travel ramps up.

Housing Policy: New Hampshire lawmakers moved to tighten and clarify how multifamily housing can be built in commercial zones, reinforcing that projects are allowed by right while local review is limited to real infrastructure needs. Rural Development: The Northern Border Regional Commission awarded more than $8.1M to five northern NH organizations through Catalyst grants, including arts, education, ambulance services, and community recreation. Local Economy & Tourism: New reporting highlights rising anxiety in NH’s hospitality sector as small businesses absorb higher costs and worry about weaker summer travel, including the impact of fewer Canadian visitors. Energy & Tech Backdrop: A fresh debate over data centers continues, with one NH-focused argument framing them as an “invisible backbone” for jobs and services. Health & Environment: MaineHealth won a $1.1M NIH grant to study how PFAS exposure affects children and teens, expanding environmental health research in the region. Community & Food Systems: Monadnock Food Co-op’s long-running model of community-owned local food continues to grow, while the Lawrence Farmers Market gears up for its Local Food Cup competition.

Outdoor Economy & Jobs: Gov. Jeanne Shaheen and NH’s delegation announced $9.3M in Northern Border Regional Commission grants for northern NH, backing childcare, infrastructure, sanitation, workforce development, and outdoor recreation/forest-industry projects. Housing Finance: InvestNH 2.0 is set to award $5.1M in zero-percent forgivable loans for 563 housing units, including 502 affordable workforce units, after Executive Council approval. Waste & Land Use: Casella Waste Systems withdrew its wetlands permit application for a proposed Dalton landfill, though opponents warn other permits could keep the project alive. Recreation Access: NH DOJ says it will seek a court order to force reopening of the Northern Rail Trail in Andover after an abutter blocked access with concrete barriers. Severe Weather Watch: A rare tornado watch was issued for NH and Vermont as storms become possible, with the threat described as conditional but not to ignore. Community & Culture: The Granite Outdoor Alliance’s “Barn Raiser” drew about 200 industry leaders to strategize for NH’s outdoor sector, with Ayotte proclaiming Outdoor Industry Day. Health Care: MaineHealth Surgical Care Rockport earned dual reaccreditation from the IAC for vascular testing and vascular interventional services. Local Spotlight: The Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene marked its community-owned growth story, connecting local farmers and producers with year-round shoppers.

Rare Earth Supply Chain: Phoenix Tailings’ Exeter, NH and Burlington, MA rare-earth processing (including NdFeB magnet inputs) is set to expand under a Pentagon-backed push to close China’s midstream lead, with a Freedom Facility aimed at boosting U.S. capacity for defense-critical magnets. Local Health Leadership: Our Health in Winchester says executive director Sharen Gromling is stepping down after 16 years, with a transition plan focused on nonprofit and local-government leadership support. State Budget Priorities: New Hampshire’s capital budget hearings highlight needs like courthouse work and stronger cybersecurity defenses, as agencies request far more than available funding. Public Safety & Land Access: NH DOJ is seeking a court order to force reopening of the Northern Rail Trail in Andover after a resident blocked access with concrete barriers. Environment & Air Quality: A study using long-running Mount Washington cloud and rain samples finds rainfall history can matter as much as wind direction for predicting air pollution over complex terrain. Community Services: USDA-funded summer meals and snacks are available across southern and central NH for kids 18 and under. Consumer Protection: AG action is underway into manufactured housing park practices in Hopkinton after residents raised consumer protection concerns.

Consumer Protection: New Hampshire AG investigators are looking into consumer protection concerns at a Hopkinton manufactured housing park after residents complained about rising costs and practices tied to land leases. Energy & Rates: A local column questions why Community Power electric rates in NH have run higher than default utility service, pointing to how default-service power is procured and priced under PUC rules. Housing & Main Street: Keene Downtown Group received a $500K grant to help businesses weather Main Street construction, while broader reporting highlights affordability pressure on NH families and working parents. Defense Supply Chain: The Pentagon is backing rare-earth processing expansion with a $500M conditional loan to Phoenix Tailings, funding work across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Workforce & Family Economics: A Pew study finds a record share of US families now have both parents working full time, with many parents citing finances as the driver. Local Safety: NH Fish and Game reported injuries from a dirt bike rollover in Berlin, urging riders to stay alert to trail conditions. Food & Health: An FDA inspection in Rockingham County found Little Bay Lobster, LLC needed voluntary action after a May review.

Rare Earths & National Security: The U.S. Office of Strategic Capital announced a $500M conditional loan commitment to Phoenix Tailings to expand domestic rare earth processing, aiming to boost rare earth separation and metallization capacity for permanent magnet supply chains. Seacoast Child Care Oversight: A Portsmouth couple reported mold in their child’s water bottle to NH’s Division for Children, Youth and Families after enrolling at Bright Horizons in Stratham, triggering a probe. Workforce & Wages in NH: A new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics look shows about 4,000 fewer people working in New Hampshire over the past year, with job losses in retail/wholesale and manufacturing, while wages rose roughly 4.6% in many areas. Energy & Agriculture Watch: Southeast NH is still in drought conditions, but strawberry season is beginning, with farmers weighing irrigation limits and groundwater recovery timelines. Local Business & Food: Dover chef Evan Hennessey won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast, adding another major national spotlight to New Hampshire’s dining scene. Tech for Aging at Home: UNH-linked robotics research is helping an aging couple with daily support via a caregiver robot funded by the National Institute on Aging.

Workforce & Wages: New Hampshire saw about 4,000 fewer people working from Dec. 2024 to Dec. 2025, with job losses hitting state/federal government, retail/wholesale, and manufacturing, while wages rose roughly 4.6% statewide. AI & Elections: RegulatingAI launched “AI on the Ballot,” a 20-episode series running through the 2026 midterms to put candidates on the record on AI, jobs, energy, and infrastructure. Infrastructure & Timber: Northern Border Regional Commission funding will help design and build a timber bridge over Quackenderry Creek in Rensselaer, supporting access and trail connectivity. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall in 41 states to Class I over Salmonella contamination. NH Business & Aviation: Pro Star Aviation won FAA STC approval to install Gogo Galileo LEO connectivity on the Pilatus PC-12. Local Economy & Housing: WalletHub ranked Manchester No. 3 and Nashua No. 5 among best-run U.S. cities, while separate reporting highlights NH’s ongoing affordability pressure for incoming residents. Manufacturing & Materials: Foundation Alloy raised $22M Series A to scale its solid-state MetalsFIRST alloy platform, with a new Massachusetts facility planned. Healthcare at Home: Choices for Independence is now available in NH to help older adults and people with disabilities stay safely in their communities. Food Awards: Dover chef Evan Hennessey won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northeast.

America 250 Time Capsule: The 900-pound stainless-steel capsule for the U.S. semiquincentennial has been sealed and is headed for burial in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, to be opened in 2276—built to keep out water using a secondary cylinder and pressure-compressing rim. NH Cannabis Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed SB 468, which would have let medical cannabis businesses operate greenhouse cultivation sites at different locations, arguing against expanding cultivation. Privacy & Regulation: Hawaiʻi’s Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition opposing the proposed federal SECURE Data Act, saying it would preempt stronger state privacy protections. Housing & Construction: Realtor.com’s 2026 housing report cards show Midwest and South states leading on affordability and homebuilding activity, with Indiana topping the list. Northern Border Funding: U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced $9.3M in Northern Border Regional Commission grants for NH projects, including a $1M childcare facility in West Lebanon. UNH Seafood Push: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a five-year effort to boost sustainable domestic seafood production through aquaculture. Local Business Climate: NH Executive Councilor John Stephen highlighted Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s decision to locate in New Hampshire, citing a business-friendly environment. Arts & Food: Dover chef Evan Hennessey won a James Beard award, while Portland restaurateur Dana Street took Outstanding Restaurateur honors.

Local Energy Costs: NH consumer advocate Donald Kreis urged Portsmouth to closely watch upcoming electricity rate changes, warning Community Power could swing back as the “better alternative.” Housing Affordability: Zillow reports 242 U.S. cities now have “starter homes” priced at $1M+—a sign of how pandemic-era price surges are spreading, including in New Hampshire. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to the highest risk level after potential Salmonella contamination, affecting 41 states. Sustainable Seafood: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a new five-year cooperative project aimed at boosting domestic aquaculture and reducing the U.S. seafood trade deficit. Business Climate: New Hampshire Executive Councilor John Stephen highlighted Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s decision to locate in NH, citing a business-friendly environment for small manufacturers. Public Safety: A man drowned while swimming with friends in Wilson Pond in Swanzey; investigators say there’s no indication of foul play. Policy & Privacy: Hawaiʻi’s Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, arguing it would preempt stronger state privacy protections.