Byron Champlin, Candidate For Mayor Of Concord

CONCORD, NH — Byron Champlin

Position Sought

Mayor

Family

My wife and I have lived in Concord for more than 40 years. Our two daughters were born here and also live in Concord and we have two grandsons attending Concord public schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education and-or work experience

BA English, University of Rhode Island, 1972 MS Journalism, Boston University, 1980 Reporter, N.H. Union Leader, 1980-1981 Public Information Officer, N.H. House of Representatives, 1981-1988 Director of Public Relations, Colby-Sawyer College, 1988-1991 Editor, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Communications, Philanthropic Program Officer, Chubb LifeAmerica/Jefferson Pilot Financial/Lincoln Financial Group, 1991-2018

Previous or current elected or appointed positions

Mayor City Councilor At-Large (4 years) Ward 4 City Councilor (6 years) N.H. Executive Branch Board of Ethics Concord Economic Development Advisory Committee

Campaign website

None

The single most important pressing issue facing the community is _______ and this is what I intend to do about it

The single most pressing issue facing Concord is tax base expansion. We need to continue to seek ways to attract sensible economic development that expands the tax base and takes pressure off residential property owners and renters. We have a natural disadvantage being the seat of state government with about a quarter of taxable property off the tax rolls due to nonprofit or state ownership. However, we can be proactive in identifying opportunities and promoting Concord’s advantages. Let’s get better at telling our story. We are centrally located, on two major highways and a rail line. We have an educated workforce who live here because of our high quality of life, which includes access to numerous recreation and entertainment options. At the same time, we must be “user-friendly” for people of vision who want to do business here.

List three other things you would like to work on if elected or re-elected

1. Maintain public safety services
2. Expand housing options of all types
3. Foster a community where ambition and imagination drive success and all are welcomed and valued.

Name a couple of accomplishments in the past that show you can handle this position

1. Maintained AA+ bond rating
In February 2025, S&P Global affirmed Concord’s AA+ rating for its upcoming bond issue, and affirmed the rating for existing debt. This has a direct impact on getting Concord one of the lowest possible interest rates on its bonded projects.
2. Balanced budget with targeted use of reserves
For FY 2025, the city used $560,760 from the unassigned fund balance to help balance the budget, while also redirecting additional funds for priorities like police retention, winter operations, and preserving the Concord Stables for future use.
3. Housing Champion designation
Concord was designated a Housing Champion by the state, in recognition of progressive zoning, land use reforms, and efforts to expand affordable housing. This status made the city eligible for certain state grants.

Share any other thoughts or ideas you would like voters to know about yourself

Before beginning my professional career, I worked in a variety of jobs with all sorts of people. From clerking in my grandfather’s store as a teenager, to waiting tables in a Boston restaurant. From framing houses, to working with horses in a Standardbred racing stable. I’ve laid hot patch asphalt on town roads in the summer and I’ve sold magazines over the phone. All these experiences, and listening to my co-workers, have shaped my outlook and the way I approach life.
As Mayor, I’ve heard residents’ challenges and aspirations. Whether it’s at my monthly Coffee with the Mayor, my Mayor’s Business Visitations, a grassroots 2050 Vision community discussion I’ve launched, at council meetings, on the street or even at their door. We may not always agree, but I’m always willing to listen.