Recommendations to grow and sustain Maine’s economy

Graphic: 2019 Maine Measures of Growth Report, Maine Growth Council

November 24, 2020

Since our initial Phase 1 recommendations to the Governor in July on how to stabilize and support Maine people and businesses, the Economic Recovery Committee has been working on a second phase of priorities to grow and sustain our economy in a way that connects last year’s 10-year economic strategy to the state’s emerging needs and opportunities.

Her is an outline of the recommendations in our November 24 final report:

Grow Maine’s Economy

• Invest in technology and innovation in key sectors such as forest products, agriculture, and renewable energy
• Supercharge entrepreneurship and make Maine more welcoming to immigrants
• Create educational and training pathways through adult education, increase affordable access to higher ed credentials and licensing, internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships; Restore immigrants’ rights to public benefits
• Attract diverse and talented professionals to relocate; capitalize on making Maine an attractive location to live, study, and work.

Sustain Maine’s People

• Expand high quality internet, universal broadband; improve digital equity.
• Systematically expand early childcare and education; build early education workforce
• Create more affordable, efficient housing in proximity to services and economic opportunity; establish rental assistance program and increase access to legal aid.
• Build workforce through diversity, equity and inclusion

Foundational economic needs

• Strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure access.
• Invest in agriculture and food processing infrastructure
• Improve efficiency of regulatory permitting
• Invest in transportation infrastructure; implement a new transportation funding model.