The cities of Bangor and Lewiston have been accepted into the Maine Development Foundation’s downtown affiliate program, which connects municipalities with resources to revitalize their commercial districts.
Affiliates have access to training by state and national downtown development experts and a network of peers from around the state to share best practices.
Both communities completed an application process that included a site visit and a review by professional downtown revitalization experts who serve on the Maine Downtown Center Advisory Council.
Staff and volunteers for Bangor and Lewiston will work over the next year to build relationships with businesses, residents, property owners and the municipality to pursue economic development strategies.
“Becoming part of this state network of downtowns that collaborate under the guidance of Maine Downtown Center and Main Street America will provide a support system that will help downtown Bangor succeed in its mission to foster growth and vibrancy in our community,” said Betsy Lundy, executive director of Downtown Bangor Partnership.
Danielle Snow, chair of the Downtown Lewiston Association, added, “We are grateful to the MDC for seeing the potential we see here in our community. We’re excited to work with them as we continue strengthening downtown Lewiston as a place of community and economic opportunity.”
With the addition of Bangor and Lewiston, the MDC program now supports 34 member communities in Maine. Some are in the initial stages of downtown revitalization, while others are working toward achieving a nationally accredited “Main Street” designation.
The MDC is the state coordinator for the National Main Street Center, to help communities revitalize their historic downtowns. The Maine Development Foundation works to connect decision-makers and communities through research, leadership development and community partnerships.