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
2021 Legislative Session Summary:
- GrowSmart Maine’s Testimony before the Maine Legislature
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 brought together by GrowSmart Maine with a proven interest in smart growth: supporting economically and culturally vital downtowns and the natural areas surrounding them – working farms and forests, open space and waterfronts.
MASG, led by GrowSmart Maine, advocates for significant policy changes related to smart growth and value to Maine communities. MASG also connects organizations and communities whose smart growth values overlap, creating a stronger network. This coordination results in more resources and better growth outcomes across the state.
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.
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
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.
The MASG Steering Committee Members:
GrowSmart Maine, Nancy Smith
Maine Downtown Center, Anne Ball
Maine Preservation, Greg Paxton
Greater Portland Landmarks, Sarah Hansen
Genesis Fund John Egan
Island Institute, Nick Battista
City of Lewiston, Linc Jeffers
The Nature Conservancy in Maine, Kaitlyn Bernard
Portland Downtown, 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
Small Business Administration-
Maine LK Planning, LLC, Donna Larson Kane
City of Hallowell, Nate Rudy