BackDownshifting Forum
Downshifting Forum
May 11, 2026
Last week, community members, local leaders, and elected officials gathered in Keene for a forum on downshifting and the growing financial pressures being placed on local communities. The discussion focused on how costs continue to be shifted from the state to counties, municipalities, and schools; impacting local taxpayers and essential services across New Hampshire.
County Administrator Chris Coates served as one of the panelists, offering insight into how these shifts affect county government operations. He highlighted the increasing strain downshifting places on county and municipal budgets, and the difficult decisions local governments are often forced to make in order to continue providing essential services while balancing rising costs.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation. A video recording of the forum is linked below for those who were unable to attend or would like to watch the discussion in full.