Mills launches 10-year economic development plan focusing on training, R&D and pay
Photo / Jeff Kirlin
Gov. Janet Mills calls for "urgent" federal action in the fight against climate change in a five-page letter to U.S. lawmakers.
Gov. Janet Mills launched an initiative today to develop a 10-year strategic economic development plan for Maine.
The initiative, which will be led by the Department of Economic and Community Development, in partnership with other government agencies, business leaders and private organizations, will focus on strategies to enhance economic growth, particularly in rural Maine, and address Maine’s workforce challenges.
The strategic plan will be the first of its kind in more than two decades. It will be delivered to the governor’s office on Nov. 15 and will be available to all legislators prior to the start of the second session of the 129th Legislature.
“Strengthening our economy and tackling Maine’s workforce challenges requires a multifaceted approach that addresses skills training, research and development and increasing Maine’s GDP and median wages,” Mills said in a statement. “To achieve these goals state government must be a partner and not an impediment. That is why I am charging the Department of Economic and Community Development to work collaboratively with government agencies and private businesses to develop a long-term strategic plan that drives economic growth, addresses our workforce challenges, and results in a strong, sustainable and diversified economy.”
Heather Johnson, DECD commissioner, said she shared with Mills “the goal of building a stronger economy so that every person who wants to live and work in Maine has the opportunity to do so.”
“This economic strategy will mobilize the private sector, nonprofits and educational institutions to focus on the same goal of creating a diverse and sustainable economy and establishing a brighter future for our state,” Johnson said.
Laura Fortman, commissioner of the Department of Labor, highlighted the importance of workforce development to the 10-year strategic plan.
“Our state’s ability to support established employers and attract new businesses is dependent on maintaining a skilled workforce. At this moment — when unemployment is at historic lows across Maine — we need to increase opportunities for those currently on the margins of our economy, including our young people, older adults, New Mainers, people with disabilities and those who need additional skills to find good jobs,” she said. “Connecting our economic development and workforce systems with educational strategies will produce opportunities needed for our workers and businesses. We look forward to collaborating on the strategic plan.”
“If we, as a state, expect to fulfill our economic promise, we need a pathway forward that plays to our strengths and sets priorities for economic growth." — Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce
The 10-year, nonpartisan plan will serve as an economic roadmap for the state and offer strategic recommendations for how Maine can build a strong, diversified and sustainable economy powered by a highly skilled, robust workforce. The plan’s guiding vision statement calls for Maine, by 2030, to be known as a national leader for its forward-looking work in creating a diverse and sustainable economy.
“We will empower innovators and entrepreneurs, attract young families and new businesses, and revitalize rural Maine so that every person will know unequivocally that living in Maine means not only an unmatched quality of life, but an unmatched opportunity for good-paying jobs in innovative industries across the entire state,” the vision statement reads.
Reaching out across the state
A six-member steering committee which will include officials from the Finance Authority of Maine, ConnectMe, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Governor’s Office of Policy and Management and the Maine state economist will lead the development of the strategic plan. The plan will be crafted with the close help of economic development and business organizations, such as the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Development Foundation, and will seek input from across all economic sectors, industries and regions in Maine.
The Department of Economic and Community Development also will convene meetings across the state in the coming months to obtain public input to help inform the plan and the department will issue regular progress updates to the public and the business community.
“If we, as a state, expect to fulfill our economic promise, we need a pathway forward that plays to our strengths and sets priorities for economic growth,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “That is the purpose and value of a strategic plan, why we need one, and why we are excited to be a part of this impactful work.”
“Maine Development Foundation and the Maine Economic Growth Council are committed to partnering with the administration to help ensure that the statewide economic roadmap is well-grounded in good, nonpartisan data working with a broad cross-section of Maine people,” said Yellow Light Breen, president and CEO of Maine Development Foundation.
Peter Vigue, chairman of Cianbro Cos., added: “Maine is at a unique juncture with regards to its standing in the global economy. Our innovative spirit, position to market and work ethic embody our longstanding commitment to excellence. I applaud Gov. Mills for her foresight to create a strategic plan for the State and look forward to working with her to move it forward.”
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