Governing Maine in the 21st Century
Instead of reacting to persistent budget shortfalls with divisive, annual program cuts, we need to get behind a productive, long-term plan for reorganizing Maine government, at all levels.
The "Governing Maine in the 21st Century" project will present Maine with an action plan to provide better government services at lower costs.
Climate, Energy, and Prosperity
Climate change and rising energy costs present serious challenges to Maine - and especially to our rural, natural-resource industries. But these related problems also may hold opportunities for developing a new "green" economy, as our state becomes more energy-independent and finds new markets for our abundant resources.
GrowSmart's "Climate, Energy, and Prosperity" project will seek ways for Maine to adapt to and sieze opportunity from the changes ahead, by creating jobs, building new wealth, and growing a sustainable green economy.
Summit 2008
Planning for the 2008 Summit is well underway - learn more about our speakers, registration, and program of events at our Summit 2008 web page. Featured speakers will include Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution, one of the lead authors of the 2006 "Charting Maine's Future" report and an acclaimed keynoter from the 2006 Summit. The Summit will also include the first of many public listening sessions that will inform the scope and focus areas of our two "sequel" reports, "Governing Maine in the 21st Century" and "Climate, Energy, and Prosperity."
Legislative Accomplishments
New legislation passed in the 2008 legislative session will promote new vitality and quality development in Maine's towns, cities, and village centers. Maine now has a statewide building code that will simplify rehab work and downtown development. New rules governing school construction will help preserve historic neighborhood schools. And a newly-expanded tax credit for historic rehabilitation will transform dozens of underutilized historic buildings back into productive working and living space.
We're looking forward to accomplishing even more in the months ahead, and when the new Legislature convenes next winter. Please support our work to move Maine forward: join GrowSmart Maine as a member or sign up for our grassroots advocacy network.
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