KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — A familiar name in the Keene community has been selected to serve as Ombudsman for the Downtown Infrastructure Improvement and Reconstruction Project.

The City of Keene has appointed George Downing as Ombudsman for the project, a key position aimed at maintaining clear communication between the City, local businesses, and residents throughout the duration of the project.

As Ombudsman, Downing will act as the primary liaison between the community and the construction team, including City departments and contractors. His responsibilities include collecting, documenting, and relaying public feedback, coordinating responses to concerns, and helping to minimize disruptions to local businesses. He will also provide regular updates to the City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee.

“We understand that a project of this scale can present challenges, and our priority is to ensure the community feels fully supported and informed every step of the way,” stated Don Lussier, Director of Public Works. “His role is critical in ensuring that every voice is heard and that we can address concerns effectively, minimizing inconvenience as we work to improve our downtown infrastructure.”

The part-time role will involve direct engagement with the community through meetings and outreach, as well as coordination with project managers to implement solutions that reduce public inconvenience. Downing is also tasked with producing reports that detail public concerns and the steps taken to address them.

“Downtown Keene is the heart of our community and maintaining strong communications will be instrumental to the success of this important project,” Downing said. “I am excited to take on this role and look forward to supporting the community and the City to ensure all voices are being heard as we work together to improve our downtown for the future.”

Downing brings over two decades of experience in engineering design and construction management, along with a decade of service on the Keene School Board. His technical background and familiarity with the local community were key factors in his selection from a pool of candidates.

The City is emphasizing its commitment to transparency, timely communication, and community involvement throughout the project.

Further details about the project are available at KeeneNH.gov/downtown or by contacting the Department of Public Works at (603) 352-6550.