Economic Development
NDD is a lead partner with the City of Newport in developing and implementing the long-term strategy that will rebuild out downtown core and bring Newport back to life.
Our current focus is on creating an Improved Master Plan that will guide the step-by-step development of our designated downtown for the next decade and beyond.
Chair of Economic Development: Dave Laforce
Economic Development Coordinator: Brian Gray
Survey
NDD is a strong partner to the City of Newport in developing and implementing the long-term strategy that will rebuild our downtown core and bring Newport back to life.
In 2024, Newport City Council unanimously approved a new Detailed Master Plan. Since January of 2025, NDD has been working with White and Burke Real Estate Advisors to determine the best economic development strategies to rebuild Downtown Newport. This includes:
- Meeting with potential developers
- Working to obtain site control of key development properties
- Developing funding strategies to accomplish our goals
- Determining public infrastructure capacity and deficiencies
Also in 2025, NDD partnered with Mt Mansfield Productions to develop promotional videos, and we secured almost 900 completed survey responses to help us know what the northern NEK wants from their downtown.
Newport City Council is united in the conviction that the only way to build Newport’s future is by building a strong downtown.
If you would like to get involved in this work, please write to Rickuc@nddvt.org.
In the fall and winter of 2025, nearly nine hundred people filled out a survey to share what they are looking for in downtown Newport.
You can view the full results of the survey below.
Newport City Master Plan Update
This master plan is all about putting housing first. It calls for 410 units of housing in the downtown core and waterfront plaza areas. Most of that housing will be in mixed-use buildings with commercial and retail properties.
The plan also envisions a parking garage, hotel on the waterfront, and family-oriented recreation activities – all in the downtown area. Though not every idea in this plan will be realized, the overall vision shows what we are striving for!
All Newport stakeholders, including those who live in nearby towns and who work or shop in Newport, are welcome to offer their thoughts. If you would like more extensive conversation, please reach out to Rick and Felicia at 802 321 3583, or write to masterplan@nddvt.org.