Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter #15 - Strategic Food
Plus: carbon credits, overdose death declines, happy marriages, taxpayer ROI, cap & trade, housing supply, manure heat, songbirds, safer streets, and more!
Hello! Welcome to the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter, part of Granite Goodness. We share stories of problem solving, innovation, and progress in and around New Hampshire.
My name is Andy DeMeo. I’ve lived in New Hampshire all my life.
At Granite Goodness we believe that being aware of progress and positivity leaves people more inspired to create their own. Optimism, kindness, and the will to solve complex problems are infectious qualities.
Also, being an optimist is just more fun.
As a general rule, this newsletter aims to include stories that fit the following criteria:
The story is in or about New Hampshire
The story is about something bigger than singular acts of kindness
The story is about something good— people building, creating, or doing things that improve the world and reduce suffering
Just think- as long as it’s good and New Hampshire sized, it belongs here! If you have any story tips, let us know at hello@granitegoodness.com.
For more personal stories about progress and problem solving in New Hampshire, make sure to check our podcast, Granite Goodness, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, and everywhere else.
Enjoy!
GRANITE GREENERY - Sustainability & Environment
NH Food Alliance launches strategic food system plan
New Hampshire’s new Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan offers a clear, actionable roadmap to grow the state’s farms, fisheries, and food businesses. With over 140 recommendations from 30+ organizations, it aims to boost viability, attract investment, and promote equity—empowering stakeholders to drive lasting, system-wide change. - NH Food Alliance
New Hampshire launches registry of carbon credit properties
New Hampshire has unveiled a new registry highlighting over 182,000 acres of forest enrolled in carbon credit programs, showcasing the state’s growing role in climate solutions by preserving trees to absorb carbon. Supporters see it as a forward-thinking step that balances environmental stewardship with transparency, while lawmakers explore ways to ensure local economies also benefit. - NH Bulletin
Successful cap & trade program eyes expansion
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)— of which New Hampshire is a member— is entering a new chapter of opportunity, as East Coast states explore ways to expand and strengthen this successful cap-and-invest program. With billions already reinvested in clean energy and emissions cut in half, RGGI stands as a proven model for state-led climate leadership. - NH Bulletin
GRANITE GRIT - Building & Infrastructure
New Hampshire Housing Supply Coalition launches
A new statewide coalition— spearheaded by the NH Business and Industry Association— is uniting business leaders, realtors, and advocates to push for bold housing solutions in New Hampshire, focusing on land use reform, streamlined permitting, and funding support. With housing shortages threatening the state’s economy and workforce, the effort signals growing momentum to make New Hampshire more affordable, vibrant, and competitive. - WMUR
Merrimack County proposes major assisted living expansion
Merrimack County is advancing a $50 million plan to transform unused space in the McLeod Building into a modern assisted living and memory care facility, adding 80 much-needed beds to support the region’s aging population. By investing in compassionate care, local jobs, and long-term infrastructure, the county is setting a bold example of how to meet the growing needs of seniors with dignity and foresight. – Concord Monitor
Dover to welcome 88 new affordable apartments near train station
An 88-unit apartment complex called The Railroad Apartments is set to open this fall in downtown Dover, offering below-market rents and convenient access to public transit. Designed with commuters in mind, the development will provide modern, affordable housing just steps from the train station—opening doors to Boston and beyond at a fraction of city prices. – Foster’s Daily Democrat
GRANITE GROWTH - Economy & Workforce
Granite State delivers nation’s best taxpayer ROI
According to WalletHub’s latest analysis, New Hampshire offers the highest return on taxpayer investment in the country—thanks to strong outcomes in safety, education, and environmental quality, all without a state income tax. With low unemployment, low poverty, and efficient government services, Granite Staters are getting exceptional value for every tax dollar. – WalletHub
JetBlue adds direct Manchester–NYC flights for summer travel
JetBlue will launch nonstop summer service between Manchester and New York City’s JFK Airport starting June 12, providing quick, one-hour connections through Oct. 25. The new route is expected to boost international travel options for Granite Staters, offering easier access to global destinations via JFK. – WMUR
New Hampshire emerges as a rising hub for life sciences and biofabrication
New Hampshire is rapidly becoming a leader in life sciences innovation, with more than 1,000 bioscience companies statewide, cutting-edge research institutions, and major investments in advanced medical manufacturing. Anchored by the work of Dean Kamen’s ARMI and the ReGen Valley Tech Hub, this growing ecosystem is creating new therapies, jobs, and educational pathways—while staying rooted in community values and collaboration. – Business New Hampshire Magazine
GRANITE GADGETS - Science & Innovation
UNH scientists pioneer manure-powered greenhouse heating to boost winter farming
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are developing innovative, manure-based heating systems to help small and mid-sized farms extend their growing seasons and reduce fossil fuel use. By turning agricultural waste into renewable energy, the project offers a cost-effective, scalable solution to support year-round food production, cut emissions, and strengthen New England’s local food systems. – UNH Agricultural Experiment Station
UNH and UNE patent real-time molecular sensor for medicine and manufacturing
Scientists at UNH and the University of New England have patented a new sensor that detects molecular changes in real time, with promising uses in medicine, biomanufacturing, and environmental monitoring. The technology uses special polymers that react to changes like temperature or pH, allowing faster, cheaper, and more precise testing than traditional methods. – University of New Hampshire
Dartmouth study reveals how songbirds adapt to changing populations
Using 50 years of hand-drawn maps from New Hampshire’s Hubbard Brook Forest, Dartmouth PhD student Miranda Zammarelli and professor Richard Holmes found that songbirds adjust their territory sizes based on population density. The study supports a key ecological theory and shows how flexible, self-organizing behavior helps birds thrive in changing environments—a finding with major implications for conservation. – Dartmouth News
GRANITE GRATITUDE - Public Sector & Nonprofits
NH sees 35% drop in opioid deaths, outpacing national decline
New Hampshire saw a 35% decline in fatal opioid overdoses from 2023 to 2024—outpacing national trends—thanks to coordinated efforts across law enforcement, public health, and treatment networks. Governor Kelly Ayotte and state officials praised programs like Operation Granite Shield and the Doorways initiative, highlighting New Hampshire’s success in expanding access to care, reducing stigma, and keeping communities safer. – Office of the Governor Kelly Ayotte
New study names New Hampshire the safest state in America
According to a new analysis by High Rise Financial using FBI crime data, New Hampshire ranks as the safest state in the U.S., with the lowest overall violent crime index score of 13.67 out of 100. With remarkably low rates of murder, assault, robbery, and arson, the Granite State continues to lead the nation in public safety. – USA Today Network New England
Manchester Police report shows crime down, community trust up in 2024
In its 2024 annual report, the Manchester Police Department highlights major progress, including a 15% drop in total crime and an 18% decline in calls for service compared to the 10-year average. – Manchester InkLink
GRANITE GREATNESS: Human Interest & Our Favorite Stories
New Hampshire ranks #1 in country for lasting love
According to an analysis of US Census data from StorageCafe, New Hampshire tops the list of states where marriages go the distance, with couples averaging 22.6 years together and more than half the population married. With its scenic charm, strong communities, and beautiful outdoors, the Granite State offers the perfect setting for romance that stands the test of time. – StorageCafe
That’s it for this edition of the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter. This newsletter is free and shareable to anyone anywhere. We also post on Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook.
If you are hungry for other stories of progress, innovation, and good news beyond the borders of the Granite State, I encourage you to check out our friends at Fix the News or The Progress Network.
Thank you to:
Claire Sullivan at The New Hampshire Bulletin
Rachel Wachman at The Concord Monitor
Adam Sexton at WMUR
Imani Fleming at WMUR
Sarah Donovan at Foster’s Daily Democrat
Melina Khan at USA Today - New England
Scott Merrill at Business New Hampshire Magazine
Nicholas Gosling at the Community Power Coalition of NH (formerly at UNH)
Morgan Kelly at Dartmouth College
Maria Gatea at storagecafe.com
For publishing great journalism or information about your work.
Thanks for reading!
-Andy
I feel happier just reading this!!! Wonderful job! Mom💕