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.
By 2023, it was time for a refresh of the strategy given the major changes to the Maine economy and progress towards the goals since the original report was published. Again building an extensive planning process, involving more than 600 participants in stakeholder sessions and a dedicated steering committee, the State published a comprehensive update in 2024: The 2024 Reset.
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 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
2024: Maine 2020-2029 Economic Development Strategy: The 2024 Reset
2024: Workforce Attraction and Recruitment Experiences of Maine Employers
2025: Why People Move to Maine: A Study of Recent Migrants (February 10, 2025 Webinar: Recording and Presentation)
Executive Steering Committee Membership
Maine's 10-Year Statewide Strategic Plan is being implemented by an Executive Steering Committee. The current members are:
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Executive Steering Committee Membership |
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Adam Lachman, Senator King's Office Amy Landry, AVCOG Andrea Cianchette Maker, Focus Maine Carol Woodcock, Senator Collins' Office David Daigler, Maine Community College System David Greenham, Maine Arts Commission Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, University of Maine Jeannette Andre, Maine Philanthropy Center John Ochira, Maine Community Foundation |
Joseph Edwards, Maine Jobs Council Laura Fortman, Commissioner, Department of Labor Linda Caprara, Maine State Chamber of Commerce Matthew Lewis, Four Directions Development Corporation Melanie Loyzim, Department of Environmental Protection Ryan Neale, Department of Transportation William Whitmore, MaineHealth Yellow Light Breen, Maine Development Foundation |
List current as of December 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.