Portsmouth is initiating a community effort to update the City's Master Plan. Community master plans, developed under the authority of the Planning Board and outline by state statute, serve as important policy guides for many NH municipalities. Master Plans describe what the community is today, as well as what it wants to be in the future. In Portsmouth, the Master Plan will be a key policy document for community leaders to use in making well-informed decisions about many vital local issues ranging from future development, open space protection and affordable housing to transportation and community facility infrastructure needs. Development of the new Master Plan is expected to be a two-year process, with many opportunities for residents, businesses, local organizations, and other key stakeholders to provide their input. Portsmouth Listens is a cornerstone of this effort. Portsmouth Listens is a group of committed local citizens working in conjunction with the City of Portsmouth, the City's neighborhoods, and the Chamber of Commerce to develop an effective, inclusive approach to involving residents in the development of the new City Master Plan.