News And Updates from GrowSmart Maine
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
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...
What We Talk About When We Talk About Character (Down East Magazine, March 2023)
As Maine grapples with age-old, freshly relevant issues of livability, growth, and belonging, an inquisitive look at a complicated word. By Jesse Ellison from Down East Magazine, March 2023 issue “Change is constant,” acknowledges Nancy Smith, executive director of...
“Threats to housing identified” article features CEO Nancy Smith
From The Quoddy Tides article "Housing crisis solutions eyed by legislature" dated ( March 10, 2023): "GrowSmart Maine CEO Nancy Smith is not surprised by the stories of people wanting to move into Maine for work and then coming up against the lack of housing. The...
Maine Calling: Who is moving to Maine, and why do Mainers call them ‘from away’?
GrowSmart CEO Nancy Smith was a VIP Caller on Maine Calling’s recent episode “Who is moving to Maine, and why do Mainers call them ‘from away’?” which aired on February 27, 2023.
Live Discussion for Policy Action 2023 Slated for March 3
IT'S TIME 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 choice,...
GrowSmart Maine expands with two new hires to spearhead farmland and broadband initiatives
GrowSmart Maine announces the addition of two new members to its team, Harald Bredesen and Hildie Lipson. Harald Bredesen’s role is Thought Leadership Program Director and he will support communities navigating change by convening to action, sharing thought...
Op-Ed: Commentary: A glimmer of hope for Maine cyclists and pedestrians
Commentary: A glimmer of hope for Maine cyclists and pedestrians BY COLIN DURRANT AND KIRSTEN BREWER |. SPECIAL TO THE PRESS HERALD In the form of its first-ever active transportation plan, our state now has an enormous opportunity to make it easier for more of us to...