Encouraging investment and revitalization of local towns and villages

On this page:

• Vision/Strategy
• Desired Outcomes
• Context: What are others already doing?
• Consortium Activities: What does/can MWC contribute? Rally, Knowledge Power, Walking Tours

Vision/Strategy
As a region, we must continue to invest in our communities – large and small - retaining the best of our cultural heritage while developing the systems (civic organization, communications, transportation) that will make us competitive in coming decades. Revitalization of our towns and villages as dynamic centers of social, commercial, and cultural activity will be critical to insuring future prosperity for the region.

• New paradigm: service area scale organization/investment
• Increased service area efficiency (energy, delivery of services)
• More affordable transportation and housing (must be able to support a workforce)
• Leadership living in community
• Increased pride and self reliance
• Lower median age
• Greater capital investment

• Quality of Place Task Force - See regional planning recommendations
• Maine Downtown Center

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2006 Rally
Panel on Community Revitalization featured presentations on creative economy (Bethel), recreation development in downtowns (Run of River, Skowhegan), and regional approaches to service delivery (Greenville and nearby unorganized townships).

Knowledge Power Program
This MWC program has focused on developing, managing, and conveying information about local history and natural history to a range of audiences. Specifically, the program has addressed expressed interest in establishing local information centers and has envisioned a regional system linking and supporting local centers. See Information Center System Report completed October, 2007. Group developed a traveling exhibit as a pilot project. Participating communities have included Norway/South Paris, Bethel, Rangeley, Farmington, Jackman, Skowhegan, Greenville, Dover Foxcroft, Millinocket.
Related Workgroups: Information Center System, Traveling Exhibit

Village Works Walking Tours
Coordinated development of walking tours in service center downtowns. Tours designed for Skowhegan, Farmington, Norway.
Related Workgroups: Farmington Walking Tour

• Inventory and map existing/needed services, multi-town basis (including retail, housing, medical).
• Develop small community downtown revitalization program.
• Develop energy efficiency toolkit for communities.
• Investment in communications infrastructure (broadband, cell phone).