Keene, NH — Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) is proud to announce that Jen Risley has been selected as the first-ever Monadnock Region Planner of the Year. The new award celebrates volunteer and professional planners who make exceptional, often unsung contributions to the region’s vitality. The choice of Ms. Risley highlights how the field of community planning extends beyond those with “planner” in their job title or who serve in an official capacity within local government. To plan for a bright future—and to make that vision reality—communities need creative, dedicated citizens like Ms. Risley, who, over about two decades, has helped launch and nurture an impressive array of planning-related projects, including those aimed at fostering local economic development and encouraging sustainable transportation.
Risley’s long list of achievements stood out for its breadth, humble dedication, and ability to connect with statewide and national coalitions advancing similar issues. Highlights include:• Ongoing direction of The Local Crowd Monadnock, helping local businesses and organizations raise critical capital.
• Founding leadership and marketing stewardship of the Monadnock Food Co-op.
• Early work as Education Coordinator at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship.
• Promotion of sustainable transportation, including National Bike Month, and work with the Monadnock Alliance for Sustainable Transportation.
• Creation and promotion of signature “shop-local” campaigns such as Plaid Friday and Cider Monday through partnerships with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), The Main Street Journal, and economist Michael Shuman.
• Grass-roots marketing support for projects like the revitalization of the historic Sullivan Country Store.
“Jen exemplifies the spirit this award was created to honor—working without fanfare to help communities and small businesses thrive,” said Todd Horner, Executive Director of SWRPC. “Her vision, generosity, and collaborative leadership have rippled far beyond any single project.”
Accepting the honor, Risley remarked, “I’m humbled to receive this recognition from my home region. Building community wealth is truly a team effort, and I share this award with every partner, volunteer, and entrepreneur who believes in a resilient local economy.”
Award Celebration—June 3
Risley will be formally recognized at SWRPC’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 5:00 p.m., at Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Road, Keene. The evening will feature the award presentation, a showcase of regional initiatives, and opportunities for networking. The public is welcome; advance registration is encouraged at the link here or by calling (603) 357-0557.
About the Planner of the Year Award
Established in 2025, the Monadnock Region Planner of the Year award highlights individuals whose civic vision translates into tangible improvements—new policies adopted, projects built, and collaborative processes that strengthen quality of life across the region. The award recognizes professional planners, volunteers serving in local government, and any community member who has served the public on planning-related issues such as housing, transportation, economic development, and conservation.
About SWRPC
Since 1969, Southwest Region Planning Commission has provided municipal assistance, regional planning, and program implementation in the areas of land use, housing, transportation, natural resources, economic development, and more for the 34-municipality Monadnock Region
of New Hampshire.
Media Contact
Todd Horner, Executive DirectorSouthwest Region Planning Commission(603) 357-0557 · [email protected]
Southwest Region Planning Commission • 37 Ashuelot Street • Keene, NH03431 • www.swrpc.org or by calling (603) 357-0557.
