Taylor Caswell is the Commissioner of New Hampshire’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), but don’t let the formal title fool you. He is not your typical government official.
In this conversation, Taylor shares how economic growth, when done right, is less about spreadsheets and more about people, freedom, and building communities that actually work.
His team accomplishes this not through control, but through flexibility and a healthy dose of Yankee ingenuity. From rural zoning quirks to pandemic pivots, Taylor shows how New Hampshire’s independent nature creates opportunity and why our sense of community is a competitive advantage.
Also in this episode: why Star Wars might be a surprisingly helpful guide to economic policy.
Learn more about the NH BEA at nheconomy.com
This episode was recorded on June 5, 2025 at the NH BEA offices in Concord, NH.
Music provided by Sneaky Miles.
A big thank you to my friend Jesse Lore and the team at Green Wave Electric Vehicles for sponsoring this podcast!
This episode is shared in partnership with our friends at NH Rocks!
Episode Summary:
The economy is such an abstract concept. Humanize for us.
For me, the economy is not just numbers or policies. It is about how people live, work, and build their communities. My goal is to make sure the system gives people real choices about how they participate in something that improves their lives. That could mean starting a business, finding meaningful work, or putting down roots in a place they love. Those everyday stories matter just as much as any statistic.
How is New Hampshire’s approach to economic development different from other states?
In many places, economic development starts with someone saying, “Here’s the plan.” We take a different approach. We go into communities, ask questions, listen, and figure out how to help. Every place is unique, so we focus on enabling rather than controlling.
Why is freedom such a big part of this work?
Freedom is part of New Hampshire’s identity. People move here because they want flexibility and the ability to make their own decisions. That culture encourages innovation and personal responsibility. Our role is to protect that while still making progress on the challenges we face.
Can you give an example of how that plays out in real life?
At the start of the pandemic, we needed PPE quickly. We put out a call to manufacturers, and within days businesses of all sizes had retooled their operations to produce what was needed. It was incredible.
How do you respond to people who say we should focus less on growth and more on fixing existing problems?
I see growth and problem-solving as connected. A strong economy gives us the resources and flexibility to address issues like housing, infrastructure, and workforce development. If we slow growth, we also slow our ability to fix what is broken.
What do you think people misunderstand about your role?
Some think economic development is just about attracting big companies or tracking job numbers. In reality, it is about creating an environment where small businesses can grow, communities have what they need, and individuals have options. We set the stage and let people build from there.
What makes you optimistic about New Hampshire’s future?
The people. There is a strong sense of independence, creativity, and pride in place here. I see innovation and problem-solving every day, and I believe that energy will keep the state moving forward.
How do you stay focused when government work can be slow and complicated?
You need patience and a clear sense of purpose. There are days when progress feels slow, but I keep my focus on the bigger picture. For me, that is creating systems that give more people a chance to succeed.
Why does civic engagement matter so much to you?
If people do not get involved, others will make decisions for them. It is easy to feel discouraged, but stepping back does not solve anything. I encourage people to participate in whatever way makes sense for them, whether that is local office, volunteering, or attending town meetings.
Why did you want to be on Granite Goodness?
I like the idea of focusing on what is possible rather than only what is broken. When we encourage optimism and problem-solving, great things happen. That is how we grow the economy and strengthen our communities.
The questions, wording, and written meaning of this summary may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give subscribers a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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-Andy
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