Welcome
Helping Maine communities navigate change in alignment with smart growth
Maine has many strengths: iconic landscapes and architecture, a strong sense of local community, and our gritty, independent spirit.
GrowSmart Maine believes these strengths are the foundation for lasting prosperity. Our smart growth goals include downtown revitalization, conservation of farmland, forest and shoreland, and support for economic development that benefits not just today’s Mainers but future generations.
OUR MISSION
GrowSmart Maine supports communities in navigating change by convening to action, sharing thought leadership, and advocating, all in alignment with smart growth principles.
10 PrinciplesOf Smart Growth
GrowSmart Maine helps communities incorporate smart growth principles into community planning.
- Mix land uses;
- Take advantage of compact building design;
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices;
- Create walkable neighborhoods;
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place;
- Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas;
- Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities;
- Provide a variety of transportation choices;
- Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective;
- Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.
OUR IMPACT
Twenty years Of
GrowSmart Maine
GrowSmart Maine has proudly worked with Maine communities for twenty years. Have you ever wondered about our origin and the principles we’ve organized around? Read these reports: