Following this year’s first Town Election filing deadline, a new class of local candidates has officially stepped forward to serve their communities, continuing a growing trend of young leaders answering the call to local leadership. Through its statewide leadership development and candidate support work, 603 Forward is proud to have trained 37 candidates ages 50 and under who filed to run for town and school offices this March. In total 100+ candidates ages 50 and under filed to run for local office. 

Advocates and community leaders from across New Hampshire issued the following responses to Governor Ayotte's State of the State address.

New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) released a new report yesterday, highlighting that NH Republicans’ proposed BET tax cut is set to decrease state revenue by $26 million, placing the cost burden on working class Granite Staters. Advocates from a diverse group of organizations responded with the following statements.

Yesterday, the New Hampshire House Committee on Housing voted "Inexpedient to Legislate” on several bills designed to undermine recent progress on housing issues.

Today lawmakers voted 189 - 165 to pass HB155, a BET tax cut that would cut $26 million a year from state revenue and likely jumpstart higher property taxes statewide via local budget strains, advocates from a diverse group of organizations, including childcare, climate, youth and housing advocates, responded with the following statements.

As municipal elections approach in 11 New Hampshire cities, this year’s candidate filings underscore 603 Forward’s ongoing work: developing a growing, diverse pipeline of young leaders who are stepping up to serve their communities.

Forward Fest honors the everyday act of stepping up, listening, and making a difference where you are. Honorees were chosen from a competitive group of nominees who listen to community hopes or concerns and organize into action. From State Representatives to nonprofit leaders, parents to grassroots organizers, these honorees reflect the next generation of leadership shaping New Hampshire's future.

603 Forward and New Hampshire Youth Movement celebrate the signing of three major housing bills – HB 631, HB 577, and SB 284 – into law as a step toward easing the state’s worsening housing shortage.

Leading grassroots organizations representing thousands of Granite Staters—603 Forward, MomsRising, New Hampshire Youth Movement, Granite State Organizing Project, Rights and Democracy, and the NH School Funding Fairness Project—issued a joint statement today in response to the passage and rushed signing of the final state budget by Governor Kelly Ayotte last Friday afternoon.

A Message From Our Co-Founders, Liz Wester and Lucas S. Meyer.

Leading grassroots organizations representing thousands of Granite Staters issued a joint statement today with quotes from volunteers and members from across the state on how the Senate Republican budget is a reckless plan that deepens inequality and puts the interests of the wealthy and well-connected ahead of working families.

Secretary Scanlan admits HB1569 is based on “perception,” yet stays silent as SB287 threatens Granite Staters access to absentee voting.

Hundreds turn out in the rain to speak out against Gov. Ayotte and Republican budget which further rigs the economy for the rich and corporate interests.

Five leading grassroots organizations representing thousands of Granite Staters issued a joint condemnation today of the House Republican budget, calling it a reckless plan that deepens inequality and sells out working families to protect the wealthy and powerful.

Today, the New Hampshire House passed the final bill in a pro-housing package 603 Forward has been advocating for aimed at tackling the state's housing crisis.

Today, the House Election Law committee voted to advance anti-voter bill HB217, relative to absentee ballots, while retaining numerous other anti-voter bills for further work over the summer.

Yesterday New Hampshire saw the first election with one of the nation's strictest voter registration laws in place, resulting in over 40 voters being turned away because they could no longer use affidavits to prove eligibility.

At a time when extreme state and national leadership seek to divide us and work to undermine faith in our government and democracy, young leaders across New Hampshire swept into local offices in last night’s Town Election, offering a path forward for our communities amidst the uncertainty.

Late Thursday night, House Republicans scheduled a single, last-minute budget hearing for next Wednesday, giving Granite Staters barely any time to participate.

Today, the New Hampshire House passed HB 577, the first step to increasing property rights and meeting housing needs across our state.