GrowSmart News and Updates
GrowSmart Maine is actively involved in advocacy and initiatives that directly impact the quality of life of all Mainers. We’ll share our news here frequently. As a GrowSmart Maine member, you’ll get updates via email, directly to your inbox. Consider joining today!
GrowSmart News and Updates
Reflections on rural development aka Beauty as an economic development tool
Rural Development was the overarching topic at the Partners for Rural America conference in Burlington, Vermont on 6-8 September. The event was attended by nine State Rural Development Councils (SRDCs) from across the country, of which GrowSmart Maine is one. The...
GrowSmart Maine Seeks Individuals to Serve on Board of Directors
GrowSmart Maine is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Augusta. We support communities in managing change in alignment with smart growth. We do our work through advocacy, convening to action, and thought leadership. Smart growth can be described as where...
Maine’s quality of life is the main attraction
Published in the Bangor Daily News on August 31, 2023 Nancy Smith is the CEO of GrowSmart Maine. Jeff Levine is a board member of GrowSmart Maine. Recently, BDN columnist Mike Cianchette wrote that the only way to keep “COVID immigrants” in the state is to incentivize...
Planning for Ag Legislative Outcomes 2023 Session
In June, GrowSmart Maine provided an update on the Policy Action 2023 bills, many of which have been carried over to the next session. Stay tuned for more information about next steps in ensuring effective implementation of those bills that passed, and next steps to...
Fund to Address PFAS Contamination
GrowSmart Maine was honored to be invited to serve on the Land Transfer Subcommittee, providing recommendations to the PFAS Advisory Committee for this component of support to farmers dealing with contaminated land and water. The PFAS Fund is a new and evolving...
Advocacy Update
Advocacy Update June 23, 2023 At GrowSmart, we are advocating for four policy areas this session: Policy Action 2023 bills developed in a collaborative process co-led with Build Maine and including non-profits, community leaders, developers, and legislators from...
Growing Smart in Mid-Sized Cities
Join GrowSmart Maine and guests on Tuesday 16 May, at 4pm for a panel discussion on “Growing Smart in Mid-Sized Cities.” Maine is growing. Let's work to make that growth positive for all. Our panel experts will discuss smart growth strategies that community members,...
Live Discussion for Policy Action 2023 Slated for May 5
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY to lend your voice to shape Policy Action 2023, a collaboration between GrowSmart Maine and Build Maine. Over 100 people have participated in this initiative to help shape sixteen bills in Augusta that will affect equity, transportation safety and...
Jane’s Walk Comes to Downtown Ellsworth on May 6
GrowSmart Maine in partnership with Heart of Ellsworth will host the 3pm leg of the second annual Jane’s Walk in downtown Ellsworth on May 6. Community activist Jane Jacobs inspired this global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations. Jane’s Walks...
A coastal Maine suburb is filling empty spaces with housing (Bangor Daily News, March 27, 2023)
A draft bill sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere (D-Kennebunkport) would make better use of corridor space around towns and villages as part of the Policy Action 2023 advocacy plan created by GrowSmart Maine and Build Maine. The pending legislation aims to reduce barriers to...