Q & A
with Jodie Nazaka, AICP – Economic Development Director, City of Manchester
How did you first become involved with the Plan NH Charrette Program, and what drew you to volunteer in the beginning?
I first became involved with Plan NH and the Charrette Program early in my career as a young planner in Milford, New Hampshire. At the time, the Charrette team came to Milford to help reimagine the reuse of an old train depot. The process was incredibly engaging, collaborative, and creative, it immediately stood out to me as a meaningful way to bring people together around community-driven planning. Years later, I had the opportunity to participate in another Plan NH Charrette in Manchester, focused on the Families in Transition New Horizons shelter. That experience was especially inspiring and reinforced how powerful the Charrette model can be in addressing real community needs. It ultimately motivated me to become more involved and led to my decision to join the Plan NH Board. Since then, I’ve made it a point to participate in at least one Plan NH Charrette each year. Beyond being a valuable professional development opportunity and supporting my AICP certification, the Charrettes continue to be a great way to connect with others in the land use planning field while contributing to thoughtful, community-centered solutions across New Hampshire.
What keeps you coming back to participate in charrettes year after year?
Every Charrette presents a new and unique challenge. No two communities, projects, or goals are the same, which keeps the work fresh, engaging, and rewarding. I’m continually energized by the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people and to work in different places across the state. The relationships you build along the way and the chance to help communities envision what is possible make each Charrette experience both meaningful and memorable.
Is there a particular charrette moment or project that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
There are honestly too many meaningful moments to single out just one, but if I had to choose, the 2022 Charrette in Temple, New Hampshire really stands out. Not everyone in the community initially wanted us there, which made the experience even more impactful. Despite that tension, the level of engagement was strong, thoughtful, and honest. From the depth of community participation and dialogue, to the beautiful, quintessential New England setting, the welcoming meeting space, and even the amazing food, it was an experience that felt both challenging and rewarding. It was a great reminder that meaningful planning work often comes from navigating differing perspectives and creating space for constructive conversation.
How have you seen the charrette program evolve during your time as a volunteer?
Over time, I’ve seen the Charrette Program evolve in several positive ways. The group of volunteers has become more diverse, bringing a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and professional backgrounds to each project. The program is also very well organized, with strong leadership that helps each Charrette run smoothly and stay focused. In addition, the community challenges themselves have become more varied and complex, which keeps the work engaging and relevant while reflecting the changing needs of New Hampshire communities.
What impact do you believe the charrettes have had on New Hampshire communities?
They provide a structured yet inclusive space for residents, local leaders, and professionals to come together and think creatively about challenges and opportunities. Even when there are differing opinions, the process encourages constructive dialogue and helps communities see issues from new perspectives. The ideas and recommendations that come out of Charrettes often give communities momentum, clarity, and a shared vision they can build on long after the Charrette ends
In what ways has volunteering with Plan NH influenced your own professional or personal growth?
Each Charrette offers new perspectives that have strengthened my approach to planning and problem-solving. On a personal level, it has given me the opportunity to see and experience New Hampshire in a deeper way—traveling to different communities, understanding their stories, and building meaningful connections along the way. Together, these experiences have made me a more thoughtful, informed, and engaged practitioner.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with multidisciplinary teams during a charrette weekend?
The opportunity to expand my professional network while learning from people with different expertise and perspectives. Working closely in an intensive, collaborative setting builds strong connections, and there have been several occasions when I’ve been able to reach out to someone I met through a Charrette for advice, insight, or collaboration long after the weekend ended. Those relationships are one of the most valuable and lasting outcomes of the Charrette experience.
As Plan NH celebrates 30 years of charrettes, what message or reflection would you like to share about the program’s legacy?
For three decades, Charrettes have brought people together—often with differing perspectives—to have meaningful conversations about the future of their communities. That ability to create space for dialogue, creativity, and shared vision is rare and incredibly valuable. The lasting impact of the program isn’t just in the plans or ideas produced, but in the relationships built, the local capacity strengthened, and the sense of possibility it leaves behind in New Hampshire communities.
Plan NH is grateful for Jodie's participation on the following Charrette Teams:
- Manchester, 2019
- Temple, 2022
- Campton, 2023
- Newmarket, 2024
