This memo was prepared by Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine, and select information was presented at a 11.13.17 Roundtable discussion hosted by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree in Portland, Maine. See bottom of this page for a link to the video of the roundtable discussion. As Congress prepares to debate tax reform, GrowSmart Maine wishes…
By David Webster. There are many reasons for renovating older buildings. For me, seeing buildings as a major contributor to the character of a place is a reason to renovate rather than replace. They represent the history of a community; why and how a community evolved, what the economic drivers were, what the people in…
Making Headway in Your Community is wrapping up its first full year as a community engagement program, a partnership of the Maine Downtown Center and GrowSmart Maine. GrowSmart Maine and Maine Downtown Center are engaged with communities on the public meeting components of Making Headway. Projects are underway in several towns while the rest are…
Legislative committees seem to be holding to a strategy of focusing on those bills with strong bipartisan support. There are exceptions, but for the most part if a bill does not have strong support in committee, it will not advance this year. No word still on when or if we will see a supplemental budget…
GrowSmart Maine’s Smart Growth Forums are back for 2016 – and better than ever! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store this year: February – A Look into Maine’s Renewable Energy – location TBD Come to our February forum to learn how Maine’s electricity system works, what it means to residents and businesses, and…
The 127th Maine Legislature is in its Second Regular Session, and GrowSmart Maine is weighing in on bills in several legislative committees, all with an eye towards strengthening and supporting Maine’s economy, communities and environment. We are engaging in several bills in Energy, Utilities and Technology. You may recall that last session there was quite…
Deborah Johnson Director, Office of Community Development Maine Dept. of Economic and Community Development Augusta, Maine Oct 29, 2015 Dear Ms. Johnson, I am writing to address one component of the Draft 2016 CDBG Program Statement. I am writing both for GrowSmart Maine and in my role as a member of the Advisory Council of…
PORTLAND – In an act unprecedented in its history, GrowSmart Maine’s Board of Directors has unanimously voted to oppose Portland’s Question 2, the “View Shed Referendum.” It may seem unusual that an organization dedicated to protecting Maine’s heritage, landscape and future would turn its back on a referendum devoted to protecting the city’s view sheds….