A robust public engagement process was led by NBBJ and citizens to initiate a public conversation on the broad goals of city residents in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. NBBJ reviewed past plans, current proposals and evaluated existing development patterns within the context of national and regional trends. Five overarching themes for Portsmouth resulted from key findings and the public engagement process. Twenty-five goals refine the five themes and approximately 100 specific priority action items fall within the twenty-five goals. Each priority action is assigned a leading city agent and time frame for implementation.

The Masterplan document further identifies five areas of focus within the city for special design study. Each of the focus area sections illustrate the application of the priority actions in order to preserve or transform the urban core, neighborhoods, corridors and open spaces. The document includes a range of specific metrics to measuring success during the life of the plan. Examples include specific rates of diversion from municipal land­fill and modes of travel for residents. Specific targets were set with city staff and administrators to ensure agreement and increased chance of support. The plan was adopted in Fall of 2016.