The Economic Development Division of the American Planning Association announced the City of Portsmouth as a 2025 Economic Development Award winner. The city was honored for their work on the Innovation District Plan that was adopted by the City Council in September last year. The award category was “Innovation in Economic Development – Planning.”
The Innovation District Plan is intended to transform High Street into a dynamic and sustainable urban neighborhood. The Plan, guide by Benchmark Planning, was developed through an inclusive planning process that spanned from the spring of 2022 through winter 2023/2024. This visionary initiative was built with extensive input from local residents, business owners, and stakeholders, ensuring the plan reflects the community’s aspirations.
The Innovation District’s guiding vision is to create a vibrant, walkable, and mixed-use environment where Portsmouth’s diverse and creative workforce can live, work, and interact. The area will serve as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, offering opportunities for local job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. The Plan aims to foster a culture of collaboration and accessibility, where people of all backgrounds can contribute to and benefit from the area’s revitalization.
