After more than a year of work by the Town Council and the Town Manager’s Office, implementation of Londonderry’s proposed Strategic Plan was delayed during Monday night’s Town Council meeting.
The delay came after three of the five councilors requested additional time to review proposed changes brought forward by Councilor Ted Combes and Council Chair Ron Dunn.
Councilors Deb Paul and Dan Bouchard expressed support for moving forward with the plan, noting that revisions could continue to be made after implementation began. They felt putting the plan in place while continuing to refine it would be more beneficial than leaving it unfinished.
Dunn, Combes, and Councilor Shaun Faber disagreed, saying they preferred to review the proposed changes before moving ahead with adoption.
After discussion, the Council decided to review the presented plan along with the suggested revisions and return for a vote at the July 20 meeting.
The proposed three-year Strategic Plan, covering FY2027 through FY2029, is designed to guide municipal operations, strengthen community services, manage growth responsibly, and preserve the qualities that make Londonderry a desirable place to live.
The plan was presented for discussion at the June 1, Town Council meeting, and it organizes input from Town departments, boards, committees, and residents into seven major functional areas with specific priorities, measurable goals, and shared responsibility.
The framework focuses on balancing efficient government operations with fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, public safety, economic vitality, and preservation of community character.
Government Excellence, Digital Services & Fiscal Stewardship
A major focus of the plan is modernizing Town government through improved technology, streamlined processes, and stronger financial planning.
Londonderry aims to expand digital services, including online permitting, electronic records, improved mapping systems, and easier access to municipal services. The Town also plans to document critical workflows, improve staff training, strengthen succession planning, and create more transparent long-term budgeting practices.
The goal is a more efficient, responsive, and adaptable municipal government that can continue meeting resident needs while maintaining responsible financial management.
Infrastructure, Transportation & Asset Management
The Strategic Plan recognizes that roads, facilities, utilities, equipment, and transportation systems are essential to daily life in Londonderry.
The Town will work toward comprehensive asset management, improved maintenance planning, and long-term capital investment strategies.
Key goals include improving road maintenance, tracking infrastructure conditions, enhancing traffic safety, addressing congestion, and planning for future utility and energy needs.
Public Safety, Emergency Preparedness & Municipal Resilience
The plan highlights the importance of maintaining strong emergency response capabilities.
Londonderry will focus on improving emergency communications, updating response plans, expanding training, strengthening cyber security preparedness, and ensuring critical services remain operational during emergencies.
Public safety initiatives include improved fire response readiness, emergency planning, and enhanced coordination among Town departments.
Growth, Land Use, Housing & Economic Vitality
Managing growth while protecting community character is another central theme of the plan.
The proposal calls for improving development review processes, updating zoning and land-use strategies, and ensuring future growth aligns with available infrastructure.
Londonderry will also explore economic development opportunities, including supporting local businesses, attracting appropriate commercial investment, and strengthening the local tax base.
Environment, Water & Conservation
Protecting natural resources and ensuring long-term environmental health are major priorities.
The plan includes continued work on water quality, private well monitoring, public education regarding contaminants, and future water infrastructure expansion.
The Town also intends to update conservation planning, protect open space, support responsible stewardship of natural resources, and incorporate sustainability into municipal decisions.
Communications, Civic Trust & Community Engagement
The plan emphasizes improving communication between Town government and residents.
Londonderry will develop a coordinated communications program using multiple platforms, including the Town website, social media, public access programming, and in-person outreach.
The Town plans to provide clearer public information on budgets, elections, permitting, water issues, and other municipal services while expanding opportunities for residents to participate in discussions and decision-making.
Community Character, Recreation, Arts
The final area focuses on preserving Londonderry’s identity while enhancing quality of life.
The Town plans to expand recreation opportunities, support arts and cultural programming, improve public spaces, and strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local groups.
The plan also emphasizes preserving Londonderry’s history and heritage through improved recognition of historic resources, community events, and efforts that reflect the Town’s character.
Londonderry’s FY2027 – FY2029 Strategic Plan is intended to serve as a roadmap for responsible growth and improved municipal services.
By focusing on technology, transparency, infrastructure, sustainability, safety, and community engagement, the Town hopes to prepare for future challenges while maintaining the qualities residents value most.
The Council is expected to revisit the plan and consider adoption during its July 20 meeting.