Economy

The Mayor and City Council always have in mind the long term interests of the City.  The City Manager and all employees are not afraid to work cooperatively in looking for creative solutions to a variety of issues.  Over the past 5-7 years, projects such as the new Water Treatment Facility, the Downtown Transportation Improvement Project, and the environmental investigations of some older properties so that they can be revitalized are but three examples of efforts to move the City forward in a positive fashion.

Starting in 2015, with the assistance of the National Endowment for the Arts, the US Department of Agriculture [through the Citizens Institute on Rural Design], the NH Cooperative Extension Service, and PlanNH, a comprehensive effort began to rebuild and revitalize downtown Franklin.  The “Franklin for a Lifetime” events in 2015 and 2016 laid the groundwork to build on the foundation of earlier planning and design projects, and to take advantage of the collective efforts of a growing core of interested property owners, residents, and others.  A new non-profit organization, PermaCityLife, was formed to lead the redevelopment charge, and to be an active property owner and participant in the process.  They have facilitated the open of over 6 new businesses, and buildings that once sat vacant or underutilized are now busy with retail and business office activity;   a restaurant space is well into the planning and construction stage, and discussions for a micro-brewery are under way.

A second non-profit, Mill City Park, has been formed to support and promote the establishment of a white water park on a 1.25 mile stretch of the Winnipesaukee River.  This is an exciting project that has attracted the attention of state agencies, as it would create a new recreational opportunity for visitors to the City, the region, and the State. 

All of these efforts are supported and encouraged by the work of a dedicated core of volunteers who are actively involved in organizations such as the Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation and Choose Franklin; the support of Franklin Savings Bank, Webster Value, Beck and Bellucci, Grevior Furniture, and others, are also proving invaluable.  For being the smallest City in the State, Franklin residents, both old and new, are not shy about rolling up their sleeves and working to help the City and its people in many different ways.

Working to encourage and expand our commercial base, protecting the water quality of Webster Lake, and providing recreational opportunities for our children are all important components of a community.  Franklin’s motto is “The Three Rivers City”, which recognizes that two important waterways join forces here to become an even more vibrant river.  The same can be said of Franklin and its residents, business owners, and other concerned allies.  The City of Franklin is much more than the simple description of “being centrally located in New Hampshire and 28 miles from Concord and 38 miles from Manchester”.  The City is a dedicated group of residents, businesses, and elected or appointed officials who work together with a common goal of making the City the best it can be.  If you ever decide to join us in our efforts the door is always open.