EDC discusses parking, Coast Bus coordination and working‑group roles; suggests EDC representation on transit task force

During the April 3 meeting the Portsmouth Economic Development Commission heard multiple working-group updates and discussed whether the EDC should seek direct representation on a city task force addressing parking and a shuttle-loop feasibility effort.

Commissioners noted that the City Council has linked parking and transport objectives to the CIP and that a task force may be convened once funding is available. A working-group representative said EDC participation on the task force would avoid duplication and help the commission monitor progress.

Commissioners and other participants discussed Coast Bus (the regional transit provider). Participants said Coast Bus has faced funding pressures and had reduced evening service; commissioners were told Coast is open to collaboration but cautioned that too many additional stops can degrade service quality, while a focus on frequency (for example moving a route from one-hour to half-hour frequency) would improve usability but raise costs.

The commission also received reports from working groups focused on the 'future of work,' arts and cultural partnerships, and business activation. The arts discussion emphasized examples of successful ties to business (retailer stickers supporting the arts and a poet‑laureate window program) and suggested partnering with the Arts and Culture Commission rather than duplicating efforts.

Commissioners briefly reviewed their summer meeting schedule and quorum constraints, asking members to indicate availability so working groups can continue monitoring if regular meetings are canceled. The meeting closed with city council updates from Councilors Flynn and Bllelock and a chamber briefing on tourism and a planned rebuild of the tourism website and data tools.

A motion to adjourn passed and the commission adjourned.