The Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire is widely known for its research, policy education, and civic engagement work. The school publishes policy-relevant research briefs, offers four master's degree programs, and brings people together for thoughtful dialogue to address societal challenges.
Recent Publications and Upcoming Events
Explore Our Research
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All Six New England States Gain Population, but Demographic Basis of Gain Varies
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New England’s population grew by 310,000 between the 2020 Census in April 2020 and July 2025 and now stands at 15,432,000, according to new Census Bureau estimates. Read the brief.
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Operating on Thin Margins: The Cost of Providing New Hampshire Child Care
In this primer, authors Tyrus Parker and Jess Carson summarize available data on the cost of operating a child care program in New Hampshire. Read the primer.
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New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program Reaches Young Children Statewide
In this brief, authors Harshita Sarup and Jess Carson offer an update on enrollment in the New Hampshire Care Scholarship Program and describe the age and geographic distribution of enrolled children. Read the brief.
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The New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave Program: Did the program increase coverage?
In this brief, author Kristin Smith evaluates whether the New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave program increased paid family and medical leave coverage. Read the brief.
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Factors Contributing to the Demographic Cliff: More U.S. Women of Childbearing Age, but Fewer Have Given Birth
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that in 2024 there were 5.7 million more childless women of prime child-bearing age than would have been expected given fertility patterns prior to the Great Recession. Read the brief.
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Can the Government Control Hurricanes? New Survey Results on Conspiracies and Science
In this perspectives brief, author Lawrence Hamilton explores the results of a nationwide 2025 survey that asked over 1,000 people whether they agreed with conspiratorial claims such as government control of hurricanes, flat Earth, or faked Moon landings. Read the perspectives brief.
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In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New National Center for Health Statistics data for 2024 show a slight increase in annual births and the birth rate from 2023. Read the brief.
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Modest Population Gains Widespread in New Hampshire Counties
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New Hampshire’s population reached 1,409,032 on July 1, 2024, an increase of 6,800 since July 2023, according to new Census Bureau estimates. Read the brief.
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Interested in writing for the Carsey School?
The value of writing for Carsey is in exposure to new, public audiences. To learn more about how you can empower your research, visit the Writing for the Carsey School of Public Policy webpage.
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2024 New Hampshire Civic Health Report
This report focuses on the civic health of New Hampshire from 2019 through 2024 using a specific set of indicators. The intent behind this report is that the data at the state level can be used to help both the state overall and local communities strengthen civic health. Read the Report.
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Local Civic Health: A Guide to Building Community and Bridging Divides
This seven-part guide is designed to help people at the local level collect data to better understand what factors bring people together or push them apart. The information can help communities to thrive and strengthen democracy at the local level. Read the guide.
Explore Our Centers
UNH Online Program Spotlight: Master in Community Development
The fully online Master in Community Development (MCD) at UNH offers a hands-on learning experience built around real-world impact. Guided by expert practitioners, students apply engagement and problem-solving techniques through a four-term capstone project in partnership with a community. This 14-month program expands your professional network while strengthening your capacity to lead impactful organizations.
Learn more about what makes this program unique from Community Development Program Faculty Jolan Rivera.
Can you give an overview of the program?
The MCD program equips seasoned and emerging development practitioners with a comprehensive, timely, and practical understanding of community development theory, practice, and policy from instructors with real-world backgrounds and interests.
Why should students interested in community development choose UNH?
The program embodies UNH's commitment to serve the public good by offering a graduate degree that caters to persons with a passion for public service.
The program has a flexible structure that allows working professionals to earn their graduate degree while working.
Upcoming Events
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March4Noon - 12:45 p.m., Join NH Listens for a 45-minute informative and interactive session aimed at sharing bite-sized tips and resources from our toolbox for community engagement and facilitation. This session on Active Listening will share tips for facilitators to help engage in thoughtful conversations, emphasizing active listening and mutual appreciation. ?? SAVE YOUR SEAT ??
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March11Noon - 2:30 p.m., New Hampshire Listens’ Online Advanced Facilitator Training focuses on those difficult moments where people are in dialogue across significant differences. Many people are often trained to remain “neutral” when serving as facilitators for public engagement and community dialogues. However, that doesn’t mean facilitators should remain passive in the face of misunderstandings and harmful dynamics. We focus on self-reflection, centering equity, and building confidence to address…
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April1Noon - 12:45 p.m., Join NH Listens for a 45-minute informative and interactive session aimed at sharing bite-sized tips and resources from our toolbox for community engagement and facilitation. You do not have to do this work alone! This training on Effective Co-Facilitation will share skills and tips for you to successfully work with your co-facilitators at your next event. ?? SAVE YOUR SEAT ??
Stay Up To Date!
Recent News
Faculty Excellence Celebration Recognizes Outstanding UNH Educators
Faculty Excellence Celebration Recognizes Outstanding UNH Educators
Annual event highlights faculty members from all UNH campuses
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Building a Better Childcare System in New Hampshire
Building a Better Childcare System in New Hampshire
Carsey School's Jess Carson on the complex challenges Granite State families are facing
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