KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The City of Keene has published the findings from the master plan update think tank workshops held in May.

The city is currently working on updating its 2010 Comprehensive Master Plan as part of the Vision Keene 20-forward project, meant to help shape the future of the city.

Prior to the think tank workshops that were held in the end of May, the city conducted a survey which gathered input on the community’s current perception of Keene and the direction its heading in. The results showed Keene rated mostly favorably when it comes to satisfaction with living and working in the city and its opportunities for growth.

At the think tank workshops participants heard an in-depth presentation on future trends and global conditions in Keene and explored various future scenarios.

Participants identified three key trend areas; demographics, population, and mass urbanization; energy, food, water, and climate change; and technology and the speed of change. From there they identified 20 drivers that will shape the future of the city, including smarter land use, aging population, aging infrastructure, availability of housing, and technology allowing remote work.

Four scenarios were workshopped at the meetings. The first focused on how the city can invest heavily in traditional community amenities while also incorporating smart technologies. That creates a tension between the community keeping to its traditional values or keeping up with rapid changes in the world such as climate resilience and infrastructure development.

The second scenario examined how the city can adapt a mindset that embraces inclusivity and adaptability. The primary challenge in that scenario was finding the funding mechanisms to effect the desired change. That scenario also examined how the city can invest in infrastructure that is climate resilient and sustainable.

The third was based on community-based innovations, highlighting tension between a focus on collaboration to adapt
to changing conditions and its development trajectory focus
on ‘tried and tested’ solutions that are conscious of cost and disruptions.

The fourth scenario highlighted the community’s resistance to change, which prevents it from following trends and remaining a competitive part of the region.

Overall, participants at the workshop deemed the last two scenarios the most representative of the expected future of Keene.

“The expected future represents a middle ground future. This outcome would be adequate for the city, with moderate progress and not too much change,” the report says.

However, participants overwhelmingly preferred the second scenario, which focused on innovation and intentional change.

“Getting to the preferred future requires collaboration, alignment of vision and strong leadership,” the report says. “Think-Tank participants showed a clear desire for change and a willingness to work together to achieve the preferred future for Keene.”

More community vision work is expected this summer with a draft and finalized Vision Keene 20-Forward Community Vision Report ready by the end of September.