Background

Roadmaps for Growth is a 3-year project that will provide technical assistance to municipalities in Aroostook and Washington Counties to develop Local Economic Development Plans. The plans are intended to help communities take control of their economic development, set clear and attainable economic development objectives, and design policies and programs to achieve them.

Many rural municipalities often manage on a shoestring budget with limited capacity for longer-term, strategic economic planning, leading to an economic development approach that can be described as reactive. Conversely, a planning framework for strategic decision-making enables municipalities to make informed decisions regarding where to deploy limited resources for optimal economic development impact. Additionally, the project will provide communities with connections and resources to expand municipal and regional planning capacity.

We aim to help Maine communities move from reactive economic development to being in control of their economic growth, improving their economic future, and the quality of life for all residents.