Past GrowSmart Maine Testimony
Past Legislative Testimony
Equity
Climate/Energy
Support for LD 1752, Resolve, To Analyze the Impact of Sea Level Rise
Broadband
Support of LD 221, Support of ConnectMaine Funding in Biennial Budget
Support of Tim Schneider’s nomination for the Maine Connectivity Authority
Housing
Support of LD 1240, Resolve To Review Barriers to Regional Solutions for Housing Choices
Support of LD 1257, To Encourage Inclusionary Zoning in Municipalities by Increasing Revenue Sharing
Historic Preservation
Letter of Support to Maine Government Oversight Committee of OPEGA Report on Historic Tax Credits
Regional/Land Use Planning
Support of the Governor’s Change Package to LD 221 Part A, Section 1 of LD 221, Exec Dept (p 62)
Support of LD 446, An Act to Reestablish the State Planning Office
Support of LD 1694, An Act To Create the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority
Budget and Bonds
Support of LD 221, Support of ConnectMaine Funding in Biennial Budget
Support of the Governor’s Change Package to LD 221 Part A, Section 1 of LD 221, Exec Dept (p 62)
Support of LD 1733, An Act To Provide Allocations for the Distribution of State
Fiscal Recovery Funds
Testimony in support for Governor Mills’ Change Package to LD 221
Equity
Support of LD 2003 “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”
Support of LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”
Support of LD 1961 “An Act To Help Alleviate Maine’s Housing Shortage and Change the Membership of the Maine State Housing Authority”
GrowSmart Maine is a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit organization that helps communities navigate change in alignment with smart growth. Fundamental to this is equitable access to housing choices, something we have seen particularly at risk in the most recent few years with the extraordinary influx of people who appreciate our quality of place.
Support of LD 906 “An Act To Provide Passamaquoddy Tribal Members Access to Clean Drinking Water”
A bill that would ensure tribal sovereignty and plentiful, safe drinking water.
Support of LD 1626 “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act”
The intersection of LD 1626 and our mission relates to land use and natural resource management. Restoring their self-determination is a tangible recognition of the Wabanaki tribes’ long history of sound and thoughtful stewardship of lands and natural resources. As...
Climate & Energy
Support of LD 1970 “An Act To Implement Agency Recommendations Relating to Sea Level Rise and Climate Resilience Provided Pursuant to Resolve 2021, Chapter 67”
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 1616 “An Act To Enhance the Ability of Municipalities to Address Climate Change Impacts by Protecting and Restoring Threatened Natural Resources”
Read the full testimony here.
In Opposition to LD 1392 “An Act To Allow Municipalities To Opt Not To Enforce the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code”
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine, in opposition to LD 1392 “An Act To Allow Municipalities To Opt Not To Enforce the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code” April 26, 2017 Senator Volk, Representative Fecteau and members of the Joint...
Testimony in Opposition to LD 161,“An Act to Ban the United Nations Agenda 21 in Maine”
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in opposition to LD 161, “An Act to Ban the United Nations Agenda 21 in Maine” April 9, 2015 Senator Burns, Representative Hobbins and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. My...
Broadband
Neither For Nor Against LD 1894 “An Act To Support Municipal Broadband Infrastructure through Incentives and Competition”
Read the full testimony here.
Support of Andrew Butcher for President of Maine Connectivity Authority
Read the full testimony here.
GrowSmart Maine Testifies in Support of LD 520, To Fund Improved Broadband Service in Underserved Areas
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 520 January 10, 2018 Senator Hamper, Representative Gattine and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, my name is Nancy Smith and I am the...
Testimony in Favor of LD 826, “An Act To Promote Maine’s Economic Development and Critical Communications for Rural Family Farms, Businesses and Residences by Strategic Public Investments in High-speed Internet”
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 826 “An Act To Promote Maine's Economic Development and Critical Communications for Rural Family Farms, Businesses and Residences by Strategic Public Investments in High-speed...
Affordable Housing
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...
One-on-one tech help available at Dr. Shaw Memorial Library in Mt. Vernon
Drop-in, one-on-one tech help available at rural Kennebec County library for area residents
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...
New AFT White Paper “Agricultural Carbon Programs: From Chaos to Systems Change”
Over the next decade, the current agricultural system will need to fundamentally transform in order to produce enough food for 9.8 billion people, mitigate and adapt to climate change, protect water resources, and support farmers. According to the U.S. Environmental...
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...
Maine’s ACP Week of Action August 4-12, 2023
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that helps households afford internet service. Eligible households can get $30 off monthly internet (or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). The week of August 4-12 in Maine is...
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...
AFT: By 2040, 80 percent of cropland production in the contiguous United States at risk, due to climate change.
Changes to weather patterns could hinder production of basic crops, according to new research published by the American Farmland Trust. By 2040, 80 percent of cropland production in the contiguous United States will be at risk from rising temperatures and shifting...
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...
Historic Preservation
Support of LD 1961 “An Act To Help Alleviate Maine’s Housing Shortage and Change the Membership of the Maine State Housing Authority”
GrowSmart Maine is a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit organization that helps communities navigate change in alignment with smart growth. Fundamental to this is equitable access to housing choices, something we have seen particularly at risk in the most recent few years with the extraordinary influx of people who appreciate our quality of place.
Support of LD 1995 Supplemental Budget Part Z336, Housing Opportunity Program, within Dept of Economic and Community Development
Read the full testimony here.
Opposition to LD 1884 “An Act To Create Affordable Agricultural Homesteads”
Read the full testimony here.
Testimony in support of LD 1205, 931
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 1205, 931 June 5, 2015 Senator Hamper, Representative Rotundo and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, my name is Nancy Smith and I am the...
Regional & Land Use Planning
Support of LD 2003 “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”
Support of LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”
Support of LD 1995 Supplemental Budget Parts Z237 Geology and Resources Information, Z236 Land Use Planning Commission, within Dept of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 1995 Supplemental Budget Part Z336, Housing Opportunity Program, within Dept of Economic and Community Development
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 906 “An Act To Provide Passamaquoddy Tribal Members Access to Clean Drinking Water”
A bill that would ensure tribal sovereignty and plentiful, safe drinking water.
Support of LD 1626 “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act”
The intersection of LD 1626 and our mission relates to land use and natural resource management. Restoring their self-determination is a tangible recognition of the Wabanaki tribes’ long history of sound and thoughtful stewardship of lands and natural resources. As...
Opposition to LD 1884 “An Act To Create Affordable Agricultural Homesteads”
Read the full testimony here.
GrowSmart Maine Testifies in Favor of LD 328: An Act to Provide Funds to the Local Government Fund to Encourage Regional Planning and Reorganization
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 328 “An Act to Provide Funds to the Local Government Fund to Encourage Regional Planning and Reorganization” March 1, 2017 Senator David, Representative Martin and members of the Joint...
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in favor of LD 220, “An Act Relating to Maine Farm Wineries” March 2, 2011
The proposals outlined in LD 220 to allow holders of farm winery licenses to sell wine at farmers’ markets and to display up to 25 bottles of wine in a shop window are common sense ideas which will empower local farmers while at the same time supporting local businesses. These proposed changes to Maine law are small but significant examples of how the Legislature can act to continue to support and promote local agriculture and small businesses within the State of Maine.
Budgets & Bonds
Support of LD 1995 Supplemental Budget Parts Z237 Geology and Resources Information, Z236 Land Use Planning Commission, within Dept of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 1996 Supplemental Budget In support of the funding proposal for MaineDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, Section Z017, and Highway and Bridge Capital Section 0604, page A154
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 1995 Supplemental Budget Part Z336, Housing Opportunity Program, within Dept of Economic and Community Development
Read the full testimony here.
Support of LD 1733 (SP 577) “An Act To Provide Allocations for the Distribution of State Fiscal Recovery Funds”
"An Act To Provide Allocations for the Distribution of State Fiscal Recovery Funds" Signed into law July 19th, 2021 without an Emergency Preamble, so it takes effect in 90-days. GrowSmart Maine testified in support of this bill with a particular focus on...
GrowSmart Maine Testifies in Support of LD 1815, An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Improve Multimodal Facilities, Highways & Bridges
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 1815 February 15, 2018 Senator Hamper, Representative Gattine and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, my name is Nancy Smith and I am the...
GrowSmart Maine Testifies on LD390: An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2019
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine related to of LD 390 “An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to...
GrowSmart Maine Testifies in Favor of LD 328: An Act to Provide Funds to the Local Government Fund to Encourage Regional Planning and Reorganization
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 328 “An Act to Provide Funds to the Local Government Fund to Encourage Regional Planning and Reorganization” March 1, 2017 Senator David, Representative Martin and members of the Joint...
Testimony in support of LD 1372 “An Act To Encourage the Redevelopment of Upper Floors of Buildings in Downtowns and on Main Streets”
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in support of LD 1372 “An Act To Encourage the Redevelopment of Upper Floors of Buildings in Downtowns and on Main Streets” May 11, 2015 Senator Volk, Representative Herbig and members...
Suport of LD 22 “An Act to Improve the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit”
In endorsing this bill which seeks to improve an already innovative economic development program, GrowSmart Maine wished to emphasize that despite its past record of success in providing much-needed start-up capital for businesses in Maine, the Seed Capital Investment Tax Credit Program needs to be expanded to effectively impact the current economic downturn which has resulted in a dearth of new investment capital in Maine. In other words, like most successful programs, this program needs to be adjusted and expanded in a manner which effectively addresses Maine’s intention to promote innovative approaches to improving Maine’s economy.
General
GrowSmart Maine Testifies in Opposition to LD 220 – “An Act to Ban the United Nations Agenda 21 in Maine”
Smart growth, as you can see in my testimony, is quite simply an effort and a set of principles to allow for greater choice and deliberative thinking and planning about our how communities grow, so that we are making most effective use of existing infrastructure and pulling demand away from rural lands for which the “highest and best use” truly is NOT development, but rather farming, forestry, and rural living. I’d ask you to review the ten principles listed as well – these are compatible with our mission, just as I expect they fit with your view of how your community, how Maine should grow. This certainly isn’t something that should be banned in Maine.
Support of LD1 “An Act To Ensure Regulatory Fairness and Reform”
Rebuilding Maine’s economy is the most important issue of our time. It can be done while continuing to protect and enhance our natural and built environments. Maine’s history is in the asset-based economies of farming, fisheries, and forestry. This heritage, still important in today’s economy, has become “the Maine brand” and is vital to other economic sectors as diverse as tourism and information technology.