Maine’s Economic Development Strategy

In 2019, the State embarked on its first strategic economic plan in two decades. This effort, which included over 1,500 voices in public meetings, online comments, and a diverse set of working group members, culminated in November 2019, when Governor Janet Mills released the State’s new 10-year strategic economic development plan.

The non-partisan plan aims to foster collaboration among the public, private, non-profit, and education sectors to grow and diversify Maine’s economy. The Department of Economic and Community Development is leading the initiative, in collaboration and partnership with other government agencies, business leaders, and private organizations.

The Economic Development Strategy is a dynamic roadmap designed to be relevant and flexible over the next ten years with a key core message: there is a place in Maine’s economy for everyone.

Key Reports

2019: Maine Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029, a Focus on Talent and Innovation

2020: Governor's Economic Recovery Committee: Recommendations to Grow and Sustain Maine's Economy

2023: Progress Report 1: 2020 - 2022

Executive Steering Committee Membership

Maine's 10-Year Statewide Strategic Plan is being implemented by an Executive Steering Committee. The current members are:

Executive Steering Committee Membership

Amy Landry, AVCOG

Laura Fortman, Commissioner, DOL

David Daigler, MCCS

Jeannette Andre, MPC

Charlene Virgilio, Four Directions Development Corporation

Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, University of Maine

Melanie Loyzim, DEP

Ryan Neale, DOT

John Ochira, Maine Community Foundation

Linda Caprara, Maine State Chamber of Commerce

Yellow Light Breen, Maine Development Foundation

Andrea Cianchette, Focus Maine

David Greenham, Maine Arts Commission

Adam Lachman, Senator King's Office

Carol Woodcock, Senator Collins' Office

Sarah Lawrence, Congresswoman Pingree's Office

William Whitmore, MaineHealth

List current as of April 2024.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact and Response – Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee

In May 2020, Governor Janet Mills appointed an Economic Recovery Committee of diverse private sector experts from across Maine to develop specific policy recommendations to stabilize the state’s economy and build a bridge to future prosperity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic using the 10-Year Economic Development Strategy as a key guide. The ERC submitted its final recommendations to Governor Mills on November 24, 2020.

More info on the Governor's Economic Recovery Committee can be found here.