April 8, 2026 | Volume 4, No. 14
THE MEDO MINUTE
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Economic Development Update Week 14
Did no one tell the weather that Manchester is ready for spring? Because we're hoping for blossoms to be floating through the air, not snow flurries. Thankfully, the sun is putting up a good fight and winter won't be returning for quite some time.
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The Made in NH Expo is Approaching Quickly!
Coming up on April 17th, 18th, and 19th, the Made in NH Expo will be setting up shop at the DoubleTree Hotel at 700 Elm Street.
There will be over 100 vendors and exhibitors representing the best of handcrafted and handmade New Hampshire products, and over a dozen of those will be representing Manchester.
The expo is open 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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See a Pothole, Report a Pothole
Last week, Mayor Jay Ruais took to the roads to roll out some problems with the DPW team to patch up some pot holes.
While we don't want you out there in safety gear, rolling over hot tar, we do want your help by putting the Manchester, NH Connect SeeClickFix functionality to use! Whether by visiting the SeeClickFix Manchester Connect site or downloading the app to your phone, you can report the nefarious potholes or any other concerns easily, quickly, and directly.
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Arts Around Manchester
The Manchester Arts Commission, in partnership with the Manchester Economic Development Office and the National Arts Program, is excited to announce the official start of the Manchester City Employee and School District Employee and Family Art Show right here at City Hall.
Stop by One City Hall Plaza anytime during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, where you can peruse over 100 pieces of art submitted by 70-plus artists all along the first floor in both wings of City Hall.
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Manchester: Where the Furry Friends are Having a Ball
Thanks to its dog parks, pet-friendly patios and dog-centric shops and events, dog owners can take their pups just about anywhere in the City. Find out where the dogs and their humans like to hit the town from pet-friendly patios to dog-friendly events. Get ready to lace up, leash up, and hit the town.
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The Manchester Health Department Releases the 2026 Resource Guide
The Manchester Health Department released its 2026 Annual Resource Guide. This guide provides contact information and listings for needed resources spanning healthcare and prescription services, food and clothing assistance, employment and transportation needs, maternal and infant supports, mental health and substance use treatment, veteran and senior services, housing and legal assistance, winter resources, and recreational activities.
You can download the 2026 resource guide on the Health Department Services page.
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2026 MPD Spring Senior Walks Are Back in Season
Did you miss the first of the Spring Senior Walks with the Manchester PD this past week? Not to worry!
There are three more walks throughout April on the books, each taking place on Monday mornings, and kicking off at 9:00 a.m., unless noted otherwise.
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Monday, April 13 – Meet at the former CVS parking lot at 271 Mammoth Road for a group walk on the Rockingham Recreational Trail
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Monday, April 20 – Meet in the parking lot near the playground to enjoy a group walk in Livingston Park at Hooksett Road and Redcoat Lane
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Wednesday, April 29 – Meet at the rear of the West Side Ice Arena on Electric Street to enjoy a mid-week group walk on the West Manchester River Walk
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MEDO Updates
Our fearless Director, Jodie Nazaka, works day in and day out to make Manchester a place people want to live, work, play, grow a business, and start a family, all while serving as a powerful role model for women in New Hampshire. She was recognized for this work by being nominated by a community member as one of the Top 20 Outstanding Women presented by WZID.
And if her name sounds familiar, you may have caught Jodie on The WFEA Morning Update with Jeff Chidester. On March 20th, she chatted all things economics and growth in Manchester and beyond alongside her fellow guests Kris Nielson, from visitNH, and Zach from Hillsborough County Meals on Wheels.
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What's Brewing in Manchester
In Manchester, like New England, we take our coffee seriously. Ryan Connor, the man behind Critical Mass Coffee, the sister company of Proba Cafe, found inside of The Bookery, spent the week in El Salvador touring coffee farms, making international connections from Europe to Central America, and bringing home some hardware.
Ryan brought home a Certificate of Achievement from the Global Coffee Awards, where Critical Mass Coffee was named an Honorable Mention and Finalist in several categories, including a Finalist nod in the single-origin traditional espresso category.
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Business Advising from REDC
The Regional Economic Development Center offers business advising at no cost to start-ups, businesses that are growing, and entrepreneurs looking to kick-start their plan.
Request an appointment and get help with your business plan, market research, employee guidance, and more.
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The Enhance MHT Loan Program is Here to Help You!
Are you a Manchester business looking for a little help with making your place sparkle and shine a little extra? Or maybe you're looking for financial help for improvements to streetscape or outdoor seating, or other related beautification efforts? The Manchester Development Corporation is here to help with the capital needed to get things rolling. See their page for additional available programs.
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NH Business Gateway: A One-Stop Resource for Business Owners
You don't need to spend time hunting down information. The Business Gateway is here to help you build and scale your business journey in one place The NH Business Gateway has now centralized more than 100 business-related tools and resources from across State agencies and community partners, removing the guesswork and allowing business owners to move forward with confidence and efficiency.
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The SEE Science Center's Park2Park Community Clean-up Returns for 2026
Lace up those sneakers, Park2Park Community clean-up returns to Manchester on Monday, April 20th. The event is a collaborative partnership between the SEE Science Center, Manchester Connects, and the City of Manchester in an effort to help clean up city parks and streets.
For further details, including how to sign-up, please visit the SEE Science Center Park2Park website.
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Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program: 27th Year of Spring 2026 Pond & Park Cleanups
Are you interested in getting outside, meeting new people, and doing something good for your community and the environment? Are you not afraid of a little dirt, muck, or unusual finds? Do you want to compete for the “Most Interesting or Unusual Piece of Trash” award and all the accolades it brings? If so, please consider bringing yourself, a friend, a sense of community spirit, and a sense of humor and joining!
The spring dates and locations are as follows:
Date: Saturday April 18, 2026
Date: Saturday April 25, 2026
Date: Saturday May 2, 2026
Location: TBD; Either Stevens Pond / Park or McQuesten Pond / Park
Date: Saturday May 9, 2026
Coordinated by the Livingston Park Foundation
All cleanups are scheduled from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Please arrive no later than 8:50 am to sign in and receive an overview of the area and instructions. Trash bags, latex gloves, and trash pickers will be available. Please wear rubber boots if you have them and dress appropriately for weather as cleanups are held rain or shine!
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Manchester offers incredible opportunities to grow your business with some amazing spaces available.
Each week, we'll feature new properties available for either lease or sale.
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Lincoln Avenue Capital Project
Progress continues on The Lincoln Avenue Capital Project at 351 Chestnut St. and 80 Merrimack St., which will feature 142 units for individuals making anywhere from 0-60 percent of the city’s average median annual income once completed.
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25 Lowell Street
25 Lowell Street, the North Street Properties development now known as the Trade Center Apartments, is officially open for business! The building includes 76 units and spaces for retailers.
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Ribbon Cutting
You'll find a new place to occu-pie your thoughts at 1209 Elm Street now that Slightly Crooked Pies celebrated its grand opening! Many congratulations and well-wishes to Lauren and Drew, as well as their family, on this new adventure! We're so thankful you chose Manchester to call home.
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Now Open
- Halal Kitchen ─ 575 South Willow Street
- Gluten Free Express ─ 9 Triangle Plaza
- Skin and Sprout ─ 79 Manchester Street
- Slightly Crooked Pies – 1209 Elm Street
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Coming Soon
- Core Gaming ─ 1525 South Willow Street
- Wicked Joyful ─ QCC - 215 Canal Street
| | MANCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT | |
Download the ManchesterConnect app to view the city’s website via a mobile app. Use the SeeClickFix feature on the app to submit requests and report issues such as graffiti removal, missed recycling or trash pickup, parking enforcement, police (non-emergency), potholes, street light or sign repair, and more. You may find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play. | | | | |
City of Manchester
Economic Development Office
One City Hall Plaza
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: (603) 624-6505
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