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GrowSmart Maine is a statewide non-profit citizens' organization working to promote sustainable prosperity and to protect the state's distinctive character and quality places.

Help support our work to secure a better future for our state.

GrowSmart Maine

81 Bridge Street
Yarmouth, Maine 04096
207-847-9275

ACTION ALERTS
Encourage the Legislature to enact the recommendations of the Brookings Report: sign our electronic petition.

For Town Councils and Boards of Selectmen: A Resolution in support of the Action Plan for Sustainable Prosperity

Charting Maine's Future: report summaries

About the report

Maine is poised for a renewal - if we take action now

Why is Brookings optimistic about Maine?

Sustainable growth won't happen unless we fix some of the problems we face.

What Brookings suggests we do.

Brookings' specific recommendations

WE CAN BUILD LASTING PROSPERITY

Download our 8-page summary sheet (PDF)

Regional Profiles from the Brookings Report (PDF files)

Southern (York and Cumberland)

Mid-Coast (Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc)

Down East (Hancock, Washington)

Northern (Aroostook, Piscataquis, Penobscot)

Western (Oxford, Franklin, Androscoggin)

Central (Somerset, Kennebec)

Additional Background Papers (PDF files)

The Maine Economy

Thirty Years of Economic Development in Maine

The Cost of Local Control: School Capital Investment and the Need for Regional Approaches

Maine's State- and Local-Government Payroll and Expenditure

A Profile of the Maine State and Local Tax System

A Brief Commentary on the Property Tax in Maine

Exporting State and Local Taxes

State of Maine Selected Service Center Development Capacity Analyses

Charting Maine's Future: An Action Plan for Promoting Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Places.

Here's what the report recommends:

Help Maine communities plan for the future.

We're optimistic about Maine's future.

• Maine is poised for a renewal — if we act now.

• The new economy favors Maine.

• Our population is growing again.

• The economy is diversifying.

• The Maine 'brand' is gaining in value.

But sustainable growth won't happen unless we fix some of the problems we face.

• Our state's economic development work is unfocused.

• Good, new jobs are just taking root.

• Our work force isn't ready for tomorrow's jobs.

• We tax and spend too much.

• We're squandering our small-town landscape.

Here's what we need to do:

• Strengthen our brand by safeguarding our small town, rural character.

• Make a few large investments.

• Charge tourists more.

• Streamline government to finance investments and tax cuts.

• Find new ways to work together.

Learn more:

Order a copy of "Charting Maine's Future: An Action Plan to Promote Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Places' for a $10.00 contribution.

Download the report and its executive summary.

Request a presentation for your community or organization.

Charting Maine's Future: An Action Plan for Promoting Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Places.

Here's what the report recommends:

Streamline government to cut taxes and reinvest in Maine's economy.

Invest in Maine's Quality Places.

Invest in Maine's resourcefulness and creativity.

Help Maine communities plan for the future.

Learn more: