Rural Maine Communities Chart Course for Prosperity with New GrowSmart Maine Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUSTA, ME – July 1, 2025 – GrowSmart Maine has been awarded a vital $388,700 Catalyst Grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission. This significant funding will drive long-term economic prosperity in rural Maine through the “Roadmaps for Growth” initiative, a 3-year project designed to support six municipalities: Calais, Danforth, Houlton, Machias, Mexico, and Van Buren. This initiative will provide expert technical assistance, create locally tailored Economic Development Plans, and establish collaborative platforms for regional partnerships and resource sharing. The project’s core aim is to empower communities to take control of their economic development, set clear and attainable objectives, and design effective policies and programs to achieve them.
“We’re thrilled that Machias is part of the ‘Roadmaps for Growth’ project,” said Sarah Dedmon, Town Manager of Machias. “This is a great opportunity for our community to think creatively and plan ahead for the kind of economic future we want. We’re excited to work with GrowSmart Maine and our partners to build on what makes Machias special—and to create more opportunity and resilience for everyone who calls it home.”
Leveraging GrowSmart Maine’s USDA designation as Maine’s Rural Development Council and host of the Rural Partners Network, this project builds on existing partnerships and capacity-building efforts through the American Farmland Trust and the USDA Rural Communities Development Initiative program “Building Community Strength.”
“We’re grateful to the Northern Border Regional Commission for this vital $388,700 grant, which will power the ‘Roadmaps for Growth’ initiative,” stated Harald Bredesen, Associate Director, GrowSmart Maine. “This project is a comprehensive effort to equip rural communities with the tools they need to build a more resilient and prosperous future. We’ll help them shift from reactive measures to proactive, data-driven planning, facilitating tailored Economic Development Plans, implementing ‘Rural Prosperity Scorecards,’ and establishing a ‘Partners for Rural Prosperity’ platform. This investment in rural Maine’s long-term economic vitality will empower these towns to leverage their unique assets for sustainable growth.”
“Roadmaps for Growth” will be implemented in close consultation and collaboration with the Sunrise County Economic Council, Regional Planning Organizations, the Maine Downtown Center, and other partners. It will build on synergies with existing initiatives to foster long-term collaborative success.
###
Contact: Harald Bredesen, hbredesen@growsmartmaine.org or 207-931-8721
About GrowSmart Maine
GrowSmart Maine is a statewide nonprofit based in Augusta, dedicated to empowering communities to navigate change and build a more sustainable future. By facilitating collaboration, sharing innovative ideas, and advocating for smart growth principles, GrowSmart Maine helps communities implement strategies that enhance quality of life, safety, and inclusivity. The organization serves as Maine’s USDA-designated State Rural Development Council.