Public Policy
state policy
GrowSmart Maine regularly testifies in Augusta on relevant smart growth legislation. This is one of the most important ways that we represent our members’ interests.
As we weigh in on key issues, we will post our progress and views here. We encourage our members to engage in the process as well.
Work of The Maine Climate Council:
GrowSmart Maine’s response to Climate Council Working Groups’ Recommendations September 2020
2020 Legislative Session Summary:
- 2020 Legislation supported by GrowSmart Maine
As the bills travel to the House and Senate Chambers, you can check out each day’s calendar here. For more information on the Legislative process in general, go to http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/path/path.htm
Resources for Your Community
New Model Solar Ordinance for Maine municipalities created by one of our partners, Maine Audubon
Federal Policy
GrowSmart Maine engages in public policy on the federal level primarily through key partnerships.
Smart Growth America advocates with Congress and the administration for a transportation system that safely, affordably and conveniently connects people of all means and ability to jobs, services, and opportunity through multiple modes of travel and development that is sustainable, equitable, and walkable.
Maine Together is a nonpartisan coalition of Maine organizations that recognizes the vital role federal domestic programs play in supporting Maine’s economy and people. We value healthy, vibrant, inclusive communities for Mainers of all ages and capabilities. Maine Together stands strongly for the principle that we are interconnected and supportive of each other, and advocates for a federal budget that reflects our shared vision for Maine.
Maine Alliance for Smart Growth
a program of GrowSmart Maine
The Maine Alliance for Smart Growth (MASG) is a network supported and led by GrowSmart Maine. Smart growth provides choices in how communities respond to growth and change and our goal is to ensure that future generations can prosper and choose to call Maine home.
Each of us focuses our work and interests on one component of smart growth, be it downtown revitalization, conservation of open space and working lands or transportation and broadband infrastructure or other smart growth principles. MASG is where these components of quality of life in Maine are addressed at the intersection of community, equity, economy, and environment through advocacy and collaboration.
MASG advocates for significant policy changes related to smart growth and its value to Maine communities. MASG also connects organizations and communities where smart growth values overlap, creating a stronger network for more smart growth outcomes across the state.
Our new Smartini events offer a chance to network while exploring smart growth successes. Our advocacy includes big picture priorities such as climate change actions and boots on the ground issues like the unintended impact of variations in mil rates and ordinances by creating sprawl that eats up productive open space while weakening villages, downtowns, and city centers.
MASG members include individuals, municipalities, businesses, and organizations that support smart growth values.
GrowSmart Maine’s executive director is a registered lobbyist who brings this expertise to the MASG and leads advocacy on key smart growth issues. GrowSmart commits up to 20% of our resources to communicating directly with the Legislature and the Governor and her staff to advocate in support of the benefits of smart growth.
Your financial support of GrowSmart Maine makes this possible and membership in MASG is included in GrowSmart Maine membership. Steering committee members also connect their community volunteer networks with MASG.
Please click here to join GrowSmart Maine, and you will add to the strength of this effort by increasing the number of people united in support of smart growth.
The MASG Steering Committee
MASG is guided by a steering committee comprising town and city representatives, business, non-profits, and agencies which collectively provide expertise in land use planning, transportation, energy and broadband, land conservation, historic preservation and real estate development, strategic business development, collaborative community engagement, strategic investments in public infrastructure, and addressing climate change.
MASG Steering Committee Members:
GrowSmart Maine, Nancy Smith
Maine Downtown Center, Anne Ball
Maine Preservation, Greg Paxton
Greater Portland Landmarks, Sarah Hansen
CEI, John Egan
Island Institute, Nick Battista
City of Lewiston, Linc Jeffers
The Nature Conservancy in Maine, Robert Wood
Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, Cary Tyson
Northern Forest Center, Mike Wilson
AARP Maine, Lori Parham
Build Maine, Kara Wilbur
Eastern Maine Community College, Chris Winstead
Maine Association of Planners, Jared Woolston
Maine Housing, Mark Wiesendanger
USDA Rural Development- Maine, Timothy Hobbs
Small Business Administration- Maine, Amy Bassett
LK Planning, LLC, Donna Larson Kane
City of Hallowell, Nate Rudy