In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Darren Winham, the Economic Development Director for the Town of Exeter. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of economic development in Exeter, which operates under the SB2 form of government. Winham emphasizes the importance of building consensus and engaging the voting public, especially older residents, for zoning changes and other initiatives. He highlights the region's housing affordability crisis as the biggest economic development issue facing the Seacoast. Winham also talks about Exeter's efforts to revitalize its downtown and attract more dining and entertainment options, transforming the town into a "foodie" destination. The conversation touches on the collaborative nature of economic development across Seacoast communities and the importance of considering factors like infrastructure capacity when recruiting new businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's transition from a town to a city government, with Andrew Pierce becoming the first mayor. This change aimed to improve municipal services like fire departments, water works, and public schools.