want to work together in general,” she says. This willingness to engage and partner across sectors— academia, government, or private industry—creates fertile ground for initiatives that fuel growth. LOOKING AHEAD: MODERNIZING ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT As Maine progresses with its economic development strategy, the state will implement a modernized incentive package to stimulate growth while enabling collaboration between businesses and communities. Commissioner Johnson outlines this new approach, which takes effect on January 1st, as a significant leap toward a more integrated economic framework. “We are excited to have a new, modernized economic incentive tool that really looks at capital investment and workforce skills as the two primary levers,” she says. This marks a departure from previous datadriven tools, emphasizing instead the importance of tangible investments and the cultivation of a skilled workforce. The new incentive package is designed to create synergy between private sector growth and community development. Commissioner Johnson states that the goal is to facilitate mutual benefits for businesses and the communities in which they operate. “There’s an opportunity for both the community and the private sector to work together to see that kind of growth together,” she explains.The tool has garnered interest from developers eager to leverage it for projects that might have previously fallen outside traditional economic incentives. “It also helps these medium-sized projects that often get left out of economic incentive tools,” the commissioner adds, pointing out that small and midsized businesses heavily drive Maine’s economy. For example, the recent development of 18 housing units near a new industrial site proved vital in securing the workforce needed for the investment.“That made all the difference,” she notes, illustrating how even smaller-scale projects can substantially impact local economic ecosystems. This modernized approach to economic incentives is part of a broader strategy to create comprehensive support structures for economic growth. “All of the pieces have to fit together for success,” the commissioner says. In recent years, Maine has emphasized these “supportive elements” of economic development, recognizing their critical role in attracting and retaining investment. “They are key to the stickiness of that investment,” Commissioner Johnson adds, including factors like housing and childcare that contribute to a thriving business environment. Maine’s approach to economic development continues to evolve, focusing on creating tools and strategies that are adaptable and responsive to the needs of businesses and communities. Implementing modernized incentive packages and considering the holistic needs of its workforce will enable Maine to create a robust economic environment that benefits all stakeholders. Commissioner Johnson and the broader leadership’s vision for the future is one where economic growth and community wellbeing go hand in hand, driven by collaboration and a shared vision for inclusive and sustainable progress. 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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