legislature have been partnering to invest in Maine’s workforce over the last five years,” she notes. The approach is twofold: removing barriers for Maine residents to join the workforce and attracting talent from outside the state. Since 2022, these efforts have increased the workforce by approximately 20,000 people, significantly boosting the state’s economy. Workforce development in Maine is, however, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Commissioner Johnson describes a comprehensive strategy that includes a range of initiatives aimed at different population segments. For instance, Maine offers one of the nation’s most competitive student debt relief packages. “If you have student debt, regardless of your age, and you live and work full-time in Maine, there’s a tax credit available,” she says. LEVERAGING EDUCATION FOR GROWTH Education is another pillar of the DECD’s strategy. “The governor and the legislature have invested in making community college free for pandemicimpacted students,” Commissioner Johnson states. This initiative has led to a 12% increase in community college enrollment, indicating that removing financial barriers can directly impact workforce development. Furthermore, the department is promoting partnerships with the private sector through apprentice programs that represent a shared investment between the state and businesses to build a skilled workforce ready to meet Maine’s economy’s demands. Commissioner Johnson also mentions an innovative program targeting high school juniors and seniors, offering them paid work experiences. “They have an opportunity to learn about careers and build professional networks in Maine’s economy,” she explains. Concomitantly, higher education institutions are also involved in this multifaceted approach. According to Commissioner Johnson, there’s a concerted effort to integrate internships and professional partnerships into the academic experience.“We want to make sure that the students are learning the skills that are competitive and needed,” she says, highlighting the need for Maine to ensure that its students are job-ready and aware of the diverse career paths available within the state. HOUSING AND GROWTH: ADDRESSING CRITICAL NEEDS In recent years, Maine has experienced an influx of new residents, creating opportunities and challenges for the state’s economic development. This trend has intensified the need for a strategic approach to housing, an issue that Commissioner Johnson says has become a pivotal part of the state’s overall economic strategy. “Affordable housing at all income strata in Maine is one of the things that we are focused on in partnership 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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