




Jeanne Chase, Concord City Council At-Large Candidate


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Jeanne Chase Eyes a Seat on Concord City Council Amid a Crowded Field of Candidates
In the lead‑up to Concord’s upcoming municipal elections, the city’s political landscape is being reshaped by a diverse group of contenders vying for the nine seats on the City Council. Among those who have entered the race is Jeanne Chase, a longtime resident and community advocate who brings a blend of grassroots activism and practical experience to the table. While the council election is a nonpartisan contest, Chase’s platform and campaign strategy have already set her apart in a field that includes former council members, local business owners, and newcomers to Concord politics.
A Proven Commitment to Community Engagement
Jeanne Chase’s political journey began with her work in the local non‑profit sector, where she championed initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable housing and strengthening public transportation. Her leadership on several neighborhood improvement projects earned her recognition from both civic groups and the Concord City Planning Department. In 2019, Chase was appointed to the City’s Housing and Neighborhoods Committee, where she played a pivotal role in drafting the city’s updated affordable housing ordinance. Her ability to navigate complex zoning regulations and build consensus among stakeholders has positioned her as a pragmatic and collaborative figure in municipal affairs.
Campaign Priorities: Housing, Sustainability, and Economic Resilience
Chase’s campaign focuses on three core pillars: expanding affordable housing, fostering environmental sustainability, and building economic resilience for small businesses. She argues that Concord’s growing population demands a strategic approach to housing that balances density with community character. Chase plans to advocate for the expansion of mixed‑use developments on vacant city lots and support the inclusionary zoning policy that mandates a portion of new construction be set aside for low‑ and moderate‑income households.
On sustainability, Chase has pledged to advance the city’s green initiatives by accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations and supporting the expansion of bike lanes along key corridors. She has expressed support for the City of Concord’s “Green Concord” plan, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent over the next decade. By partnering with local environmental groups, Chase aims to secure additional funding for community gardens and green roofs that can mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Economic resilience, for Chase, hinges on strengthening the city’s small‑business ecosystem. She intends to create a small‑business grant program that offers low‑interest loans to entrepreneurs operating in underserved neighborhoods. Additionally, Chase is advocating for a revised zoning ordinance that permits mixed‑use storefronts in residential districts, thereby encouraging the growth of local businesses without compromising residential quality of life.
Endorsements and Support
Jeanne Chase’s campaign has already garnered endorsements from several prominent local organizations. The Concord Housing Coalition has publicly backed her candidacy, citing her proven track record in housing policy. The City’s Business Improvement District (BID) Council also expressed support, recognizing Chase’s commitment to small‑business development. Moreover, Chase has secured a key endorsement from former council member, Lisa M. Thompson, whose endorsement carries weight given Thompson’s long tenure and respected status in local politics.
Chase’s grassroots organization, “Concord for Progress,” has built a robust volunteer network that focuses on door‑to‑door canvassing, phone banking, and community outreach events. According to the campaign, volunteers have visited over 2,500 households in the past month alone, providing residents with direct access to Chase’s vision for the city’s future.
Campaign Events and Public Engagement
Jeanne Chase has scheduled a series of town‑hall meetings across Concord’s nine wards to engage with constituents directly. Her inaugural event, held on a Friday evening at the Concord Community Center, attracted more than 150 attendees, many of whom expressed enthusiasm for her proposals on affordable housing and sustainable transportation. During the event, Chase shared personal anecdotes about her involvement in the renovation of a local school’s playground, underscoring her hands‑on approach to community projects.
Chase’s campaign also highlighted the use of digital platforms to reach younger voters. Her campaign website, www.jeannechaseforconcord.com, features interactive policy briefs, a downloadable campaign pledge, and an online volunteer sign‑up portal. A dedicated “Ask Jeanne” section allows constituents to submit questions, which the campaign’s communication team promises to answer within 48 hours.
Competitive Field and Election Logistics
The Concord City Council election, slated for May 2025, features nine seats up for grabs. Voters will cast one ballot for each seat, and the top nine candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected. With over a dozen candidates filing their paperwork, the race is expected to be highly competitive. According to the Concord City Clerk’s office, candidate registration closed on January 15, 2025, and official campaign finance reports are due by February 28.
Jeanne Chase’s campaign strategy acknowledges the crowded field by emphasizing targeted outreach and policy differentiation. She plans to leverage data analytics to identify key demographic groups that are underrepresented in current council composition, such as senior citizens and low‑income families. By tailoring her messaging to these constituencies, Chase hopes to build a coalition that can secure the necessary votes for a council seat.
Looking Ahead: Potential Impact on Concord’s Future
If elected, Jeanne Chase would join a council that is tasked with steering Concord through a period of significant transformation. Her background in housing policy, commitment to sustainable development, and focus on small‑business vitality could help shape a more inclusive and forward‑thinking city agenda. In a city that has historically leaned toward incremental change, Chase’s candidacy offers a potential shift toward more ambitious reforms that align with evolving demographic and economic realities.
As the election cycle progresses, observers will watch closely how Chase’s campaign evolves amid a dynamic field of candidates. Her ability to mobilize community support, secure endorsements, and articulate a clear vision will be pivotal in determining whether she can secure a seat on the Concord City Council. Regardless of the election outcome, Jeanne Chase’s entry into the race underscores the growing importance of active civic engagement and the vital role of community-driven leadership in shaping the future of local governance.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/jeanne-chase-concord-city-council-large-candidate ]