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Hillsborough EDC says plan is being implemented, seeks annual report and marketing push
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the Hillsborough Economic Development Commission said it has begun implementing the town’s Economic Development Plan, discussed marketing and realtor outreach, and proposed restoring a standalone annual EDC report to the Town Report.
The Hillsborough Economic Development Commission on May 20 told members it is moving from planning to implementation, with officials pointing to tax-increment financing and economic revitalization efforts as recent achievements.
"We are implementing the Economic Development Plan which is huge," Town Administrator Laura Buono said, praising the commission’s current direction. Planning Director Robyn Payson noted that the commission has been active on the Business Retention and Expansion Program and the Plan NH charrette, and she urged restoring a standalone EDC report to the Town Report: "It used to have its own standalone report, and it should go back to that."
Members also discussed marketing Hillsborough to realtors and brokers, pitching a one-page outreach sheet that highlights the town’s TIF, trails and incentives. "You just invite them all," commission member Kim Opperman said of outreach to brokers, adding that a simple mailing and direct phone calls can generate leads. Riche' Colcombe and others said identifying barriers to business entry and publicizing local incentives is key to retention and recruitment.
The commission reviewed downtown issues such as angled parking in front of Tookey’s and highlighted community events — including a proposed Summer Fest award for the town’s most green business — as part of broader economic-support efforts. Planning Director Payson said state and regional partners, including CNHRPC and outreach from state staff, helped raise Hillsborough’s profile.
Procedural business at the start and end of the meeting included approval of the April 15, 2026 minutes (motion by Susanne White; seconded by Laura Buono; motion carried) and a motion to adjourn by Susanne White (seconded by Riche' Colcombe), which carried unanimously. The commission agreed to take up marketing materials and a proposal to reintroduce a standalone annual report at a future meeting.
