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
How Buying Local Does More Than Support Your Local Farmer
We’ve all heard the phrase “buy local.” But what exactly does that mean? And why is it important? “Buying local” – is not just about supporting your local farmer or retailer. It’s about building the strong economic and social foundations that produce more vibrant...
A Smart Growth Community in Maine?
Doug Greene, AICP, RLA, serves on the Board of Directors of GrowSmart Maine and is the City Planner/Deputy Director, Planning and Code Enforcement, for Lewiston, Maine (he really does want to hear from you - click here for his contact info!). I’m a dreamer, and I’m...
GrowSmart. Shrinksmart. Be Strong. Pioneer. Locally.
We occasionally ask ourselves if GrowSmart is the right name. Initially borrowed from the Smart Growth movement, some question whether it’s stale, while others are not yet familiar with it. I follow many thought leaders including Strong Towns, New Urbanism, Institute...
GrowSmart at a Glance – April-June 2018
We offer to our subscribers this overview of our work across Maine in the second quarter of 2018. If you aren’t already a member, please consider supporting these programs at https://growsmartmaine.org/membership/donate/ The mission of GrowSmart Maine is to build...
Broadband for Cranberry Isles & Beyond
Broadband internet is as essential for community resiliency as are dependable roads, electricity and public safety. These services provide foundation for people to live, work and enjoy a basic quality of life. Rural places in Maine are finding creative solutions to a...
Does Smart Growth Lead to Sustainability?
By Rachel Bouvier of rbouvier consulting. Sustainability has become a buzzword in certain circles but what exactly does the word mean? In the economic development sector, a sustainable economy is one that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising...
Communities at Risk with Proposed LUPC Rule Changes
Earlier this week, GrowSmart Maine was in Brewer for the Public Hearing of the Land Use Planning Commission, which acts as the Planning Board for 10 million acres in the Unorganized Territories. The public hearing on rules related to adjacency, which dictates that...
GrowSmart Maine Weighs in on Proposed LUPC Rule Changes
June 20, 2018 To Members of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, In testimony from the April hearing, attached here, I outlined GrowSmart’s concerns related to proposed revisions to the LUPC adjacency rule. While GrowSmart appreciates the need to improve the...
Water Water Everywhere: New Coastal Resilience Resources Available
Upcoming Workshop 5/8/18, Augusta - Rising Water: Adapting Maine Communities Those in Maine who are lucky enough to live on or in close proximity to the ocean, lakes, rivers and estuaries are challenged by a rising sea level and more intense storms. Everywhere we look...
Supporting Maine Farms Matters – What You Can Do, Part 2
Click here to visit the event page for all the details and registration at the March 26th Forum ‘Growing Farm Friendly Communities’ Here in Maine, everyone can support farmers and farms. Check out the list below for a few ideas! Read your local newspapers, printed or...