On the agenda: Bangor meeting — Data Center (Mar 2)

AGENDA
Business & Economic Development Committee
Monday, March 2, 2026, 2026
73 Harlow Street – Council Chambers
Bangor, Maine
Will immediately follow Government Operations Committee
1.

Planning Overview of Procedures and Protocols
Action request: Provide feedback to staff

2.

Policy Discussion – Data Centers
Action request: Provide feedback to staff

3.

Housing Data Overview
Action request: Provide feedback to staff

4.

Housing Strategy Section 108 Loan Program - CDBG
Action request: Provide feedback to staff

5.

Long-Term Rental Program Overview
Action request: Provide feedback to staff

6.

Director Check in
A.
Maine Development Foundation Report
B.
Urban Land Institute Housing Conference

7.

Executive Session: Acquisition of real property or economic development 1 M.R.S.A.
§ 405(6)(C) – 2 items

8.

Possible Actions on Executive Session Items
Action request: Forward to Council

Upcoming Items:
Banair Review – March 2026
City Lease Review – March 2026
Community Development Block Grant Week – March 2026
Central Kitchen Update – April 2026
Short Term Rental Overview – April 2026
Commission on Cultural Development – Grant Procedures and Protocols – April 2026
Code Division Overview of Procedures and Protocols – April 2026
Feasibility Study Work on City-Owned Properties – May 2026

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Regarding:

Business & Economic Development Committee
Planning Division
February 9, 2026
Overview of Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission Processes

The purpose of this memo is to provide an overview of the processes that are followed for items reviewed by
the Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission. No action is requested at this time; this is simply for
informational purposes.
The Planning Board has three primary functions – to help shape the Comprehensive Plan, to review and make
recommendations on zone changes and ordinance amendments, and to review and make decisions on site
plans/development applications. The Comprehensive Plan is required by State law and is typically done once
per decade. The Planning Board serves as the planning committee for the Plan. The Comprehensive Plan
guides the zoning and land development code for the City, which in turn dictates the rules for development.
When a Comprehensive Plan is finished, the Planning Board makes a recommendation to the Council on
whether to adopt and the Council makes the final decision on approval.
Similarly, when a zone change comes before Council, the Planning Board’s role is to make a recommendation
to Council on whether it ought or ought not to pass and the Council makes the final decision. The specific
process is for the zoning or text amendment to go to first reading for referral to the Planning Board, then to the
Board for a formal public hearing and the Board’s recommendation, and then back to Council for 2nd reading, at
which another public hearing is held and the Council makes a final decision on the change. If the Planning
Board votes to recommend that a change ought to pass, the Council needs a simple majority to approve the
change. If the Board votes that it ought not to pass, the Council needs a 2/3 majority to overturn the Board’s
decision. Prior to a zoning map change going to the Planning Board, staff post an ad about the change in the
newspaper and send notices to abutting property owners within 100 feet of the property that is changing. For
text changes, staff just post an ad in the paper, unless the change would result in adding a commercial or
industrial use to a zone where that use was not present previously, or removing a commercial or industrial use
from a zone where it was present. In that case, per State law, staff mail notices to owners of property in the
zone that would be affected, as well as to property owners that directly abut the affected properties. Prior to
sending formal language through the Council and Planning Board process, staff bring initial proposed changes
to the B&ED Committee and Planning Board to work through any concerns or questions.
For development applications, the Planning Board has sole authority to review and make a decision. The
shape that development takes in the community is a result of the policy that is recommended by the Planning
Board and decided on by Council. Noticing requirements vary depending on the type of development. Regular
site developments that don’t involve subdivision or conditional uses simply require mailed notices to abutting
property owners within 100 feet of the property under development. Conditional uses and major subdivisions
require an ad to be posted in the newspaper in addition to mailing notices to abutting property owners, and
conditional uses require notices to be mailed to abutters within 500 feet of the subject property in contrast to
100 feet for other developments.

City of Bangor Department of Community & Economic Development – Planning Division
In some cases, an applicant may be making such a minor change that it can be considered as a minor site
plan revision. This only requires the Planning Officer, City Engineer, and Code Enforcement Officer to sign off
on the application. If any of those three feel that something should be reviewed by the Planning Board, then
staff will have the applicant apply for a land development permit instead.
Historic preservation applications work similarly. The Historic Preservation Commission has sole authority to
review and decide on historic preservation applications. There is also an option for staff review of minor
changes. Changing or addition of signs in historic districts is also a staff review. Changes to the historic
preservation code work the same way as land development code changes. Staff will workshop them with the
Commission and the B&ED Committee first and then send language through for first reading, Commission
formal review, and second reading in front of the Council.
As part of deciding on land development and historic preservation applications, both the Planning Board and
the Historic Preservation Commission vote on whether the application meets applicable standards in the Code.
If the projects meets the relevant standards, the Board or Commission then makes a final vote on the decision.
Staff draft these decision documents for the Board/Commission and finalize them based on the votes that were
taken. The Board/Commission then votes to adopt the final findings and decision document at their next
meeting. This process ensures that Board and Commission members are not arbitrary in their decision-making
and that they only vote on whether a proposed project meets the City’s code.
Staff are happy to answer any questions Councilors might have.

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Regarding:

Business & Economic Development Committee
Planning Division
February 20, 2026
Potential data center regulations

This memo outlines the challenges large-scale data centers could pose to Bangor and presents regulatory
tools the City may consider to mitigate negative impacts while preserving economic development opportunities.
Data centers are industrial-scale facilities that store, process, and distribute digital information. Driven by
demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and streaming services, data center development has
accelerated nationwide. While these facilities can expand the tax base and create construction jobs, their longterm operational footprint can present material challenges for host communities.
Below are the primary impacts posed by data centers:
1. Energy Consumption and Grid Strain


Data centers are among the most electricity-intensive land uses.



High demand can strain local transmission infrastructure.



Utilities may seek rate adjustments to fund new generation or grid upgrades, potentially affecting
residents’ and local businesses’ electricity bills.

2. Water Usage


Many facilities rely on evaporative cooling systems.



Significant water withdrawals can stress municipal supplies and aquifers.



Competing demands between industrial users and residential/agricultural users can create equity
concerns.

3. Land Use and Zoning Conflicts


Data centers are often located in industrial zones but increasingly seek suburban or exurban sites, and
sometimes even downtown sites. In Bangor, the areas that these would be allowed in would be the
Shopping & Personal Service zone, General Commercial & Service zone, Technology & Service zone,
Industry & Service District, and Urban Industry District. These zones encompass the majority of the
City’s commercial areas, the business park next to the airport, and nearly all of the City’s industrial
areas. There are currently no rules on how these are developed besides the regular land development
permit requirements.
o

If the City’s definition of “Major essential service facilities” was interpreted to include data
centers, this would affect many more zones, including some residential zones, since this use is
allowed in most zones.

City of Bangor Department of Community & Economic Development – Planning Division


Data centers may displace mixed-use or residential development, particularly in the City’s S&PS and
GC&S zones, in buildings such as the mall, which could otherwise be used as a mixed commercialresidential use or otherwise active commercial use.



Limited on-site employment relative to land area taken up can reduce the economic efficiency of prime
real estate.

4. Noise and Quality of Life


Backup generators and cooling equipment can produce persistent noise, heat, and sometimes air
pollution.



Visual impacts from large, windowless structures may affect neighborhood character.



Construction activity may cause temporary but significant disruption.

5. Economic Trade-offs


Construction generates short-term employment.



Permanent jobs per facility are typically minimal.

Given the pace at which data centers are being proposed and constructed across the country and the scale of
their impact on local communities, staff propose drafting regulations specific to this use.
The City may consider the following approaches:
1. Zoning and Land Use Controls


Designate a specific data center overlay district.
o

Consider lining up with state broadband-expansion maps, if applicable

o

Take into account cumulative impacts from multiple potential data centers



Require conditional use permits in mixed-use or residential-adjacent zones, or in all zones that these
would be allowed in.



Establish setback, height, and landscaping requirements to reduce visual impact.
o



Multi-story buildings may be more desirable over one-story buildings since they would take up
less land area. This should be balanced with visual impacts and impacts on neighboring
properties.

Establish lot coverage and impervious surface requirements to limit how much of a lot is covered by the
building and associated impervious surfaces such as parking lots.

2. Energy Standards


Mandate minimum energy efficiency thresholds (e.g. Power Usage Effectiveness targets).

City of Bangor Department of Community & Economic Development – Planning Division


Require participation in renewable energy procurement or on-site generation and storage (favoring
rooftop and/or parking lot solar panels). If battery energy storage is used, that may also need its own
rules, such as emergency response plans and thermal run-away monitoring.



Condition approval on grid impact studies and infrastructure cost-sharing agreements.



Require that waste heat be used to help provide heat to other nearby utility customers.



Require green roofs to help insulate and reduce cooling loads, mitigate loss of habitat, and reduce
runoff and the urban heat island effect. Alternatively, requiring lighter roofs could also reduce cooling
loads and the urban heat island effect; these wouldn’t be as structurally demanding but would also not
address habitat or stormwater issues like green roofs.

3. Water Management Requirements


Require use of recycled or non-potable water where feasible.



Set maximum annual water use intensity thresholds.



Mandate drought contingency operating plans.

4. Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs)


Negotiate direct community investments (e.g., parks, broadband access, workforce development, green
infrastructure).



Establish local hiring commitments.



Require contributions to energy infrastructure resilience funds.

5. Noise and Environmental Controls


Impose decibel limits at property lines.



Restrict generator testing hours.



Require sound barriers or enclosed generator systems (or require battery systems instead to store and
generate power, which would benefit both air quality and noise).

6. Transparency and Reporting




Require annual public reporting on:
o

Electricity consumption

o

Water use

o

Emissions

o

Tax contributions and employment levels

Require a data center development plan that shows the full build-out if the development is planned to
take place in phases.

City of Bangor Department of Community & Economic Development – Planning Division
Strategic Considerations


Balance Growth and Sustainability: Data centers can diversify the tax base, but oversight is essential
to prevent long-term infrastructure strain.



Regional Coordination: Align policies with neighboring jurisdictions to prevent regulatory arbitrage.



Public Engagement: Proactively involve residents early in siting decisions to maintain trust.

Conclusion
Data centers represent a significant and growing land use category with distinct infrastructure, environmental,
and economic implications. A thoughtful regulatory framework can allow the City to capture fiscal benefits while
safeguarding public resources and neighborhood quality of life.

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Regarding:

Business & Economic Development Committee (BED)
Anja Collette, AICP, Planning Officer
February 24, 2026
Housing Update

City staff have been keeping the work we do on housing issues in one place on the city’s website:
https://bangormaine.gov/housingprogress
Updates from the past few quarters include:
 A site plan application is pending for the City-sponsored affordable housing development on Grandview
Avenue
 The pre-approved building plans have been completed and have already been requested by some
constituents
 Several projects previously approved by the Planning Board have been completed, such as the tiny
home park on outer Hammond Street and the townhome development on Lancaster Avenue, and
several projects are currently under construction
 Several new housing projects have been approved by the Planning Board – for example, a tiny home
park with 30 units on Pushaw Road and 30 affordable housing units at 509 Kenduskeag Avenue
 Dwelling unit numbers have been divided into dwelling units completed (certificates of occupancy
issued) versus dwelling units permitted (building permits issued) (dwelling units permitted includes
dwelling units that may be under construction or not yet started)
o The number of completed dwelling units (certificates of occupancy issued) in FY25 were 82, an
increase from FY24 at 76
o The number of completed dwelling units in the first two quarters of FY26 were 74, which puts
this fiscal year on track to beat the numbers for FY25
o The number of building permits issued for dwelling units has been increasing over the past few
fiscal years – 61 in FY23, 108 in FY24, and 162 in FY25. In the first two quarters of FY26, 53
have been issued.
Additionally, the staff is working on zoning updates to comply with new State laws intended to increase housing
development, as well as working on the wider Land Development Code update to address myriad housing
issues.
No housing projects are pending before the Planning Board at this writing, but one is undergoing staff review
that would add 28 new units (14 duplexes) on outer Broadway.

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:

Business and Economic Development Committee
Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer
January 22, 2025
Community Development Program Update

The purpose of this memorandum is to present this Committee with an overview of the Housing strategy that Staff have
prepared for this year’s Consolidated Plan.
This Housing Strategy enfolds the community development pillars of housing, economic stability, and livable
neighborhoods by leaning into each as they relate to the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing in all of
Bangor’s neighborhoods. The Strategy also describes an effort to concentrate investments on one area of the City that is
particularly in need. This part of the Plan is divided into several sections, and does not belabor the needs assessment
completed earlier. This half is divided into chapters which go beyond “where are we now?” and describe the actions that
we have taken and the work that remains left to do.
The Housing Strategy is designed to:
 Respond to documented housing needs across income levels and household types
 Align zoning, public investment, and programmatic tools to accelerate housing outcomes
 Reduce homelessness and housing instability through coordinated, system-based solutions
 Ensure transparency, accountability, and adaptability in implementation

Contents:
1. A Summary of regulatory and programmatic actions describe the changes that the City has enacted in the last
five years. This context is useful to the City when aligning changes with upcoming updates to housing policies.
2. Principled Framework articulates the foundation of CDBG program principles that have been integrated
throughout the strategy and address regional interdependence, equity, and a healthy housing market.
3. The overarching goals of the Consolidated Plan are arranged into Benchmarks and Targets, and include a
rationale for each. Note the Chart that is included in this packet that will become part of the Appendices. These
interconnected benchmarks work together as a system when they are aligned with Bangor’s Comprehensive
Plan, Consolidated Plan, and Housing Implementation Study.

Key benchmark categories include:
 Housing Production:
Targets calibrated to local market capacity to increase overall housing supply.
 Affordability:
Benchmarks focused on rental and ownership options accessible to low- and moderate-income households.
 Housing Typology Diversity:
Emphasis on missing-middle and small-scale housing types that fit neighborhood context and local
development capacity.
 Preservation and Rehabilitation:
Stabilizing historic and substandard housing to maintain affordability, neighborhood character, and housing
quality.
 Supportive Housing and Homelessness Solutions:
Permanent supportive housing and system integration to reduce homelessness and recurring housing crises.
 Regulatory Reform:
Zoning and permitting updates to remove barriers, reduce costs, and support equitable housing access.
 Incentives and Financial Leverage:
Strategic use of public tools to unlock private and nonprofit investment and maximize impact per public
dollar.
 Monitoring and Accountability:
Governance, reporting, and performance tracking to ensure transparency and adaptive management.

Implementation: The strategy distinguishes between city-wide housing interventions and targeted neighborhood
strategies:
1. Citywide Housing Interventions establish the foundational policies, incentives, and systems that support
housing outcomes across Bangor.
2. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) tools apply these interventions with greater focus and
flexibility in areas facing concentrated housing need, reinvestment pressure, or displacement risk.
Finally, the Plan outline three main approaches:
a. Housing Production: this focus is a collaboration between many City departments and involves siting
housing resources to Bangor with some opportunities that the City could explore.
b. Financing: This section describes the CDBG Guarantee program which will provide Bangor with up to five
times the amount of CDBG funds which can be used on a wide variety of housing interventions
c. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy: These citywide interventions create the conditions for housing
progress across Bangor; however certain areas require more concentrated and place-based approaches.
The NRSA applies these tools with added focus and flexibility were housing need and reinvestment
pressures are greatest.
The NRSA proposal and the Consolidated Plan are submitted together, but must each have a dedicated public feedback
period, which will be held using neighborhood meetings and public hearings over the next several months. We will
continue to incorporate feedback until final approval.

Next Steps:


Finalize benchmarks and implementation tools



Align regulatory, financial, and staffing actions with adopted targets



Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms



Conduct Public Engagement



Submit Plan for Approval by Bangor City Council by May 15 deadline

Action Requested:
City Staff are requesting that one specific item in the Plan begin immediately. To be participate in the Section 108
program, the City must submit documents to HUD for consideration. Staff believe that preparing this application process
could take some time. Therefore, we request authorization to begin as soon as possible.

/rmls

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:

Business and Economic Development Committee
Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer
February 25, 2026
Long-Term Rental Programs

The Community Development Division has developed this memorandum to provide the Committee with an update
on the progress of the Rental Registry Pilot program and to make recommendations for its permanent transition
following its conclusion on June 30,2026.
Background
In 2024, the City approved the launch of a two-year rental registry beginning 1 July 2024. The purpose of the pilot
was to develop the relationships, infrastructure, and procedures necessary to implement a long-term registration
system modeled after successful initiatives in other municipalities. While the original concept included a mandatory
inspection component, the City intentionally began with a voluntary participation period. This approach was
designed to build trust with landlords and property managers and to allow stakeholders to help shape the structure
and benefits of the program.
To inform the Pilot, the Community Development Division convened a series of open forums with tenants,
landlords and property managers. These discussions led to the development of the Quality Housing Provider
program, which provides valuable support and services to landlords and their tenants. The overarching goal of the
program is to ensure that rental housing in the City of Bangor is safe, well maintained, and responsive to resident
needs.
Although the registry does not directly regulate affordability, the City’s adopted role in the housing market is to
monitor conditions, maintain an accurate inventory of rental housing, support property improvements, and
implement targeted policy adjustments that influence supply and cost over time.
Pilot Objectives and Outcomes
The Community Development Division established three primary objectives for the two-year pilot program:
1. Develop and test a workable registration process and format;
2. Build positive, collaborative relationships with landlords and tenants;
3. Design participation benefits that respond to challenges identified in stakeholder forums.
Through this process, landlords and tenants identified several priority needs, including:
 Access to low-cost rehabilitation funding;
 Protection against theft and property damage;
 Tenant support services aimed at reducing evictions and vacancies.

These collaborative discussions also surfaced zoning and code-related issues that informed updates in the
forthcoming land use code revision, demonstrating cross-departmental value beyond the registry itself.
Using assessment records and rental advertising data, property owners were invited to voluntarily register their
rental units. Registrants provided emergency contact information and general data on rental costs, accessibility, and
tenant selection practices. In return, they received information about Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, building
maintenance standards, and access to a low-risk property evaluation tool. Staff also made site visits available upon
request.
Landlords consistently expressed a desire for a clear point of contact within the City. In response, staff structured
the program to provide direct access to technical assistance, low-interest rehabilitation loans, energy efficiency
improvements, tenant support coordination, and educational resources on topics such as fair housing and legal
protections.
Current Challenges
While feedback on the program has been largely positive, voluntary participation remains limited. In 2024, the City
allocated $250,000 in ARPA funding to support incentives associated with the registry; however, those funds were
subsequently reallocated. Staff believe that restoring financial incentives would significantly increase participation.
Through tax record analysis, staff have identified 1,087 multi-family rental buildings within the City that would need
to be registered under a comprehensive system. Additionally, housing data indicate a substantial number of singlefamily rental homes, particularly within the downtown urban center. Because many of these units are neither
registered nor consistently advertised, the City currently lacks a complete and reliable rental housing inventory. This
incomplete dataset limits the City’s ability to effectively monitor housing conditions, plan for growth, and evaluate
housing demand.
State Legislative Context
To address Maine’s housing shortage, the Legislature is considering a statewide rental registration system, informed
in part by prior housing analyses conducted by MaineHousing. The proposed legislation would exempt units already
subject to a mandatory municipal registry, thereby avoiding duplicative reporting. Alternatively, municipalities could
receive localized data from the state registry. While a statewide system could provide valuable data, Bangor
landlords have expressed interest in maintaining a locally administered program that retains the supportive and
relationship-driven structure of the Quality Housing Provider model.
Given that the City has already developed administrative infrastructure, stakeholder relationships, and procedural
frameworks, Bangor is well positioned to implement and manage its own permanent registry in a manner tailored to
local conditions. The Pilot has successfully established program infrastructure and is actively engaging landlords and
tenants to build trust. Moving forward, the permanent registry should incorporate lessons learned over the past two
years including:
1. Initial Registration: Initial registration of each housing unit should be required by December 31, 2026. The
registration cycle should align with the municipal tax year to streamline administration. Subsidized units may
be made to register once every three years to reduce administrative burden.
2. Online Access: Property owners and managers should have secure access to their own registration
information online to update contact information and request assistance from staff.

3. Public Data: Aggregated and generalized housing inventory information should be made publicly available
on the City’s website to support planning, research, and community awareness, while protecting individual
property or tenant privacy.
4. Supportive Property Evaluations: Property evaluations should be educational and non-punitive in nature
and conducted by the Residential Rehabilitation Coordinator, with assistance from other City staff as
needed. Identified concerns or suggested improvements may be addressed collaboratively, with technical
assistance provided upon request. Existing code enforcement authority would remain separate and
unchanged.
5. Fee Structure and Incentives: Registration fees should be nominal and structured to support program
administration. Late registrations should incur a penalty. Property owners who register on time and
promptly address identified concerns should receive a discounted fee for the subsequent registration cycle.

Staff Recommendation
The Rental Registry Pilot has successfully established the foundational relationships, administrative systems, and
program benefits necessary to support a long-term rental registration framework. However, achieving a complete
and reliable housing inventory requires transitioning from voluntary participation to a mandatory structure.
Staff seek Committee guidance on advancing an ordinance to establish a permanent rental registry consistent with
the framework outlined above.

2025

MEASURES OF

GROWTH

Performance Measures and Benchmarks to Achieve
a Vibrant and Sustainable Economy for Maine

31

REPORT OF
THE MEGC

Administered by

Achieving our vision requires a vibrant and
sustainable economy supported by vital
communities and a healthy environment.

Rainbow over Scarborough Marsh
(Photo credit: Towle Tompkins)

Table of Contents
FUNDAMENTAL
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

ECONOMY
INNOVATION

PROSPERITY
+1.8%

-0.4%

+1.2%

Wages

9

In 2024, wages remained above the EPSCoR
average and rose 1.8% after adjusting for inflation.

Poverty

Racial/Ethnic Income Equity

+24%

-12%

12
+1%

+1.8%

+2%

Labor Force Participation

Prekindergarten Education

+4%

13

In 2024, 83% of Maine adults ages 25-54 were in
the labor force, up 2 percentage points from 2023.

PRODUCTIVITY
+3%

Gross Domestic Product

+1.7%

Value Added

+1%

+1.5%

15

In 2024, Maine’s GDP rose 3%, slightly above
other New England states.

24

In 2024, the percentage of Maine 4th graders who
were proficient in reading rose 4 percentage points
to 33% but were below national standards.

Eighth-Grade Math
14

23

In 2024, the share of Maine four-year-olds in
public pre-K rose 1 percentage point to 49%.

Fourth-Grade Reading

PEOPLE

22

In 2023, the ratio of business starts to closures fell 12
percentage points but remained positive for a tenth year.

TALENT

(*Black, Indigenous, People of Color)

Maine’s labor force grew 1.8% to 705,000 in 2024.

20

In 2022, R&D spending as a share of GDP rose
24% but remained far below national levels.

Entrepreneurship

In 2019-2023, the average incomes of BIPOC*
and Latino or Hispanic Mainers rose 3 percentage
points compared to the statewide average but
remained 22% below the state average,
dramatically short of full equity.

Labor Force

19

In 2022-2024, Maine exports were 16%
higher than the previous three-year period.

11

In 2024, women’s wages rose 1.2% compared to
men’s but remained about 86% of men’s earnings,
significantly short of full equity.

+3%

International Exports

Research & Development

10

In 2023, poverty fell 0.4 percentage points to 10.5%.

Gender Wage Equity

+16%

25

In 2024, the share of Maine 8th graders who were
proficient in mathematics rose 1 percentage point
to 25% but remained below national standards.

Postsecondary Degrees & Credentials

26

In 2023, 56.6% of Maine adults had a degree or
credential of value, up 1.5 percentage points.

BUSINESS CLIMATE
In 2024, value added per worker rose 1.7%
but remained 21% below the U.S. average.

17

0%

+0.5%

Cost of Doing Business

27

In 2022, Maine’s cost of doing business was
unchanged.

Cost of Health Care

28

Proportional health care expenditures rose
0.5 percentage points in 2024.

* EPSCoR is the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, a program to assist places with historically low
levels of funding for research and development. There are 25 states in the program: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Online Report available at:
www.mdf.org/economic-policy-research/measures-of-growth-report

-6%

Cost of Energy

+0.2%

State & Local Tax Burden

29

The average price of electricity fell 6% in 2024,
although commercial and industrial rates rose slightly.

30

In 2022, Maine’s tax burden rose 0.2 percentage
points to 11.7%.

COMMUNITY

+2%

Mental & Behavioral Health

+0.7%

Health Insurance Coverage

+1%

Food Security

38

In 2022-2023, the percentage of children with a mental
and/or behavioral condition rose 2 percentage points.

39

In 2023, the percentage of Mainers with health
insurance coverage rose 0.7 percentage points
and remains above the U.S. average.

40

In 2021-2023, the share of Mainers experiencing food
insecurity rose almost 1 percentage point to 10.9%.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Internet Connectivity
+3%

Housing Affordability
+1%

32

ENVIRONMENT

In 2025, 92% of Maine locations have average
or broadband internet, up 3 percentage points.

33

-12

days

In 2024, the share of households unable to afford
the median-priced home worsened 1 percentage
point to 64%.
+3%

0%

Transportation

34

In 2024, 72% of Maine roadways were rated
good or fair, unchanged from 2023.
0%

HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety
-8%

36

Maine’s crime rate fell 8% in 2023.
+1.4%

-0.6%

Physical Wellness

37

Air Quality

42

In 2024, there were 27 moderately unhealthy days,
12 fewer than in 2023.

Sustainable Forestlands

43

In 2023, the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio rose
3% to 1.55 and remained above the sustainability goal.

Water Quality

45

In 2024, Maine maintained its excellent water
quality rating.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

46

From 2020 to 2021, GHG emissions rose 1.4%.

In 2024, 67% of adult Mainers were overweight
or obese, down 0.6 percentage points. This rate
has been consistent for over a decade.

Progress Symbols reflect movement from year to
year and/or recent trends toward or away from the
benchmarks established by the Council. The general
criteria are:

Gold Stars and Red Flags are determined by consensus
of the Growth Council based on consideration of the data
and the experienced perspective of Council
members. The general criteria are:

Exceptional Performance
Very high national standing and/or established trend
toward significant improvement.

Needs Attention
Very low national standing and/or established trend
toward significant decline. The indicator may show
improvement but is still viewed as needing attention.

+

Movement toward the benchmark since the last
available data.

=

No significant movement relative to the benchmark
since the last available data, or no new data.
Movement away from the benchmark since the last
available data.

2025 Measures of Growth Report

At the heart of it all,
it’s about our people.
VISION: A high quality of life for all Maine people
The Maine Economic Growth Council is pleased to present
Measures of Growth 2025. This nonpartisan, data-driven
report shows where Maine sits relative to other states and
the U.S. as a whole. It tracks 31 indicators that capture the
health of our economy and our communities, revealing both
challenges and enduring assets. It is a resource for policy
and decision makers at all levels, helping them to focus their
efforts and understand the connections between the major
issues facing Maine’s businesses and citizens.

Making Maine a Magnet for Workers
and Their Families
In recent years, the Council has highlighted a welcome trend:
working-age people and their families moving to Maine.
While some have roots here, others are coming for the first
time. In a recent survey of 2,500 arrivals, top reasons for
choosing Maine included access to outdoor recreation,
strong social connections, and a sense of community that
includes safety, a culture of acceptance, and a commitment
to environmental stewardship.* Respondents also identified
challenges: a scarcity of affordable housing, high living costs,
lack of jobs that match their skills, and low wages.
This report highlights examples of four local initiatives
helping Maine communities be vibrant, supportive places
for workers and their families. They build on our natural
and cultural resources while addressing potential barriers
that may prevent people from thriving here. Skowhegan is
turning its historic riverfront into a destination for residents
and visitors alike. In Aroostook County, a workforce
transportation program is connecting more people to work
and careers. The blueberry industry is partnering with
researchers at the University of Maine to increase crop yield

and the sustainability of that heritage industry. And the
owners of Glidden Point Oyster Farm are helping to chart
a new course for Maine’s working waterfront.

Trusted Data Drives Informed Decisions
The Council wishes to recognize the seven federal
entities whose data appears in this report (listed below).
For over 30 years, their reliable, independent work has
been the cornerstone of Measures of Growth. This data
is indispensable to decision makers across all sectors—
public, private, and nonprofit. It sparks new understanding
and rigorous debates. It plays a vital role in helping
businesses analyze labor markets, local governments plan
for growth, state agencies forecast revenues, nonprofits
develop effective programs, and much more. Consistent,
uninterrupted access to this long-term data creates a
framework for communities and policymakers to make
informed decisions that have real-world consequences.
These seven entities are: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.

Safeguarding Data Integrity
The Maine Economic Growth Council is, by state statute,
independent and nonpartisan. Our integrity is interconnected
with the integrity of the data we use and being able to clearly
track methodologies used by the agencies upon which we
rely. The Council takes this responsibility seriously and will
continue to diligently monitor any changes to availability,
methodology, and access to data.

*Wallace Economic Advisors, Maine Migration Project, 2025: www.wallaceea.com/memigration
Administered
by MDF

6

Report Highlights
Taking stock of Maine’s economic progress, the Council sees
reasons for both celebration and renewed resolve. For 2025,
it assigns Gold Stars for progress in Entrepreneurship, Internet
Connectivity, Labor Force, and Safety. It also recognizes
Poverty and Gross Domestic Product as two areas where
Maine has reached the benchmarks set years ago. The Council
assigns Red Flags for needed attention to 4th Grade Reading
and 8th Grade Math scores, Housing Affordability, and
Research & Development.

This report presents the latest data for all 31 metrics. For
two metrics (Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Cost of Doing
Business), the latest data is that which appeared in last year’s
report because no new data was released in 2025. The data
used in two other metrics (Entrepreneurship and Cost of
Energy) has been updated as part of the Council’s ongoing
practice of reviewing and improving its methodologies to
present the most accurate and timely data possible. See the
notes on these metric pages for further details.

Supporting Maine’s economic strategic goals
Maine has a ten-year economic development strategy to achieve sustainable, equitable growth for all
residents.1 It promotes talent and innovation as drivers of economic opportunity across the state.
The strategy has three goals:
GOAL 1: Increase wages by 10%
Status: Wages are up 11.5%
This goal seeks to increase the value of Maine’s annual average wage, adjusted for inflation, from $45,370 in 2018 to
$49,907 by 2030. In 2024, inflation-adjusted wages were $50,607, exceeding the goal.2 The Wages metric on page 9
shows how this growth compares to other states.

GOAL 2: Increase the value of what we sell per worker by 10%
Status: Value added is up 15.5%
Goal 2 seeks to increase value added per Maine worker from $103,403 in 2017 to $113,744 by 2030 (adjusted for
inflation). In 2024, value-added was $119,403, an increase of 15.5% compared to 2017. For more information,
see the Value-Added metric on page 17.

GOAL 3: Attract 75,000 people to Maine’s talent pool, to reach 710,000
Status: Maine’s labor force grew by almost 13,000 in 2024, reaching 705,000
In 2019, Maine’s labor force was projected to shrink by 65,000 through 2030, mainly due to the aging of the population.
This goal aims to reverse that by attracting 75,000 people to Maine’s workforce, replacing the 65,000 and adding another
10,000 to reach 710,000. Maine’s labor force fell to 672,000 following COVID, but it has grown steadily since then. In
2024, we gained 13,000 participants to hit 705,000. See the Labor Force metric on page 13 for more details.

1
2

https://www.maine.gov/decd/strategic-plan
When tracking progress on this goal, wages are inflation-adjusted to 2018 dollars to measure them against
wages in the year the goal was set. For this reason, the number is different from the one reported on the
Wages page, which is 2024 dollars.

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

FUNDAMENTAL
PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS

Apple cider production is one of the many food-based industries supported by University of Maine System
(Photo credit: University of Maine Cooperative Extension)

Administered
by MDF

8

2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Wages
+1.8%

In 2024, wages remained above the EPSCoR average and
rose 1.8% after adjusting for inflation.
Benchmark: Maine’s annual average wage will exceed the average
of EPSCoR* states by 2030.
Average Annual Wages By County 2024

Wages reflect job quality, worker productivity, and the
makeup of our economy; they are a primary driver of economic
prosperity and quality of life. In 2024, Maine’s average annual
wage was $63,220 — below the U.S. average of $75,585
but, for the fifth year, above the average for EPSCoR* states
($61,784). Even adjusting for inflation, wages are now 9.2%
above their pre-pandemic 2019 level.
The adequacy of wages to cover workers’ basic needs varies
by household and region. In 2024, the estimated living wage
for a single Mainer was $48,292 before taxes; it was $108,658
for a single person with two children; and for two working adults
with two children, it was $119,832. Regionally, wages exceed
the state average in Cumberland County, Maine’s most populous
and urban county, and trail it elsewhere, with rural Franklin and
Piscataquis counties having the lowest wages.

Coastal Counties
Cumberland

$71,351

Sagadahoc

$63,193

York

$61,811

Waldo

$54,674

Knox

$55,720

Hancock

$53,780

Lincoln

$53,238

Central Counties
Kennebec

$60,846

Androscoggin

$58,507

Penobscot

$55,593

Rim Counties

* EPSCoR is the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research, a program to assist places with historically
low levels of funding for research and development. There are 25 states in
the program. (See the table of contents for a full list of states)

Somerset

$55,148

Aroostook

$51,148

Oxford

$50,809

Washington

$50,219

Franklin

$48,419

Piscataquis

$47,151

Average Annual Wages (Inflation-Adjusted)
$65,000

EPSCoR

Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics; U.S. Bureau
of Economic Analysis;
Massachusetts Institute
of Technology

Maine

$60,000

$55,000

$50,000

$45,000

$40,000

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Poverty
-0.4%

In 2023, poverty fell 0.4 percentage points to 10.5%.
Benchmark: Maine’s poverty rate will decline and remain below
the U.S. rate through 2030.

In 2023, the percentage of Mainers in households with
incomes below the poverty level was 10.5%. This was below
the U.S. rate of 12.5%. While poverty remains a challenge, it is
noteworthy that Maine has achieved the benchmark set years
ago; poverty has declined and remained below the U.S. average
for over a decade. Maine’s poverty rate reflects both the overall
state of the economy and the experiences of individual residents.
State-level poverty rates mask stark differences within Maine’s
population. Poverty varied greatly by region—from 6.9% in

Cumberland County to 20.1% in Washington County. From 2019
to 2023, BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic Mainers were 49%
more likely to be living in poverty; and 14% of Maine children
under age 5 were living in poverty, compared to just over 9% of
Mainers age 65+. Many poor children are in households headed
by single females. From 2019 to 2023, almost 1 in 3 single-mother
households were poor (30%).
*Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Percentage of Residents in Poverty

Source

20%

U.S. Census Bureau

U.S.

Maine

New England

15%

10%

5%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Poverty Rate by Age, 2019-2023
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates

13.9%

Under 5

12.9%

5 to 17

13.2%

18 to 34

9.5%

9.2%

35 to 64

65+ years

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by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Gender Wage Equity
+1.2%

In 2024, women’s wages rose 1.2% compared to men’s but remained
about 86% of men’s earnings, significantly short of full equity.
Benchmark: Maine’s median annual earnings for women will improve to 100%
of men’s median annual earnings by 2030.

This measure compares the annual wages of men and women
working full time, year-round. In 2024, the median earnings
of Maine women was $56,383—86% of the $65,215 median
earnings of Maine men. In other words, full-time working women in
Maine earned about $6 for every $7 earned by men. Some of the
difference is due to the differing wages in occupations disproportionately filled by women, but this does not explain the entire gap.

In recent years, women’s earnings as a percentage of men’s in
Maine have improved, from 76% in the 2000s to 81% in the 2010s.
In 2024, Maine’s gender income gap was less than the U.S.
and New England averages. No U.S. state has eliminated the
gender pay gap yet, but in seven states women’s earnings ratio
exceeds Maine’s. New York had the smallest estimated gender
wage gap in 2024. There, women earned 91% as much as men.

Women's Earnings as Percentage of Men's

100%

Source
U.S. Census Bureau

Maine

New England

U.S.

2019

2021

90%

80%

70%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2020

2022

2023

2024

Median Earnings Gap In 2024
U.S. AVERAGE
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey MAINE AVERAGE
MEN

WOMEN

GAP

MEN

WOMEN

GAP

$67,260

$55,817

$11,443

$65,215

$56,383

$8,832

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Racial/Ethnic Income Equity
+3%

In 2019-2023, the average incomes of BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic
Mainers rose 3 percentage points compared to the statewide average but
remained 22% below the state average, dramatically short of full equity.
Benchmark: The average per capita income of BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic Mainers
will improve to the state average by 2030.

The Council strongly believes that Maine needs the
contributions of every resident to achieve a vibrant, sustainable
economy. Increasing prosperity is not true progress unless it is
equitably shared. This will require broad, deep, and long-term
systemic change.
From 2019 to 2023, the average per capita income of
BIPOC* and Latino or Hispanic Maine residents (about 9% of
the population) was $32,676, 78% of the $42,035 statewide
average. This is an increase from 75% in 2018-2022 and 59%
a decade ago. Still, it means that for every $5 earned by the
average Maine household, households of racial and ethnic
minority groups earned less than $4.
This stark racial/ethnic income disparity is seen across New
England and the United States. To counter it, Maine must
improve access to training and education for residents of color,
better support their communities and businesses, and address
cultural biases and systemic disadvantages.

Maine Poverty Rate by Race/Ethnicity 2019-2023
Race/Ethnicity

Population

Poverty Rate

1,216,238

10.3%

Two or more races

62,023

13.1%

Hispanic or Latino (of any race)

26,880

11.0%

Black or African American

21,545

25.2%

Asian

13,736

12.6%

Other race

9,288

12.5%

American Indian & Alaska Native

6,010

17.3%

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islanders

254

31.9%

White, not Hispanic or Latino

*Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Average Per Capita Income, 2019-2023
$70,000

White, non-Hispanic

Source
U.S. Census Bureau

Other races and ethnicities

$60,000

$50,000

$40,000

$30,000

$20,000

$10,000

U.S.

New England

Maine

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Labor Force
+1.8%

Maine’s labor force grew 1.8% to 705,000 in 2024.
Benchmark: Maine’s labor force will increase to 710,000 by 2030.

Estimates of Maine’s labor force come from household surveys
and are subject to revision, so these numbers should be interpreted with that in mind. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, Maine’s labor force shrank by about 26,000. In 2024,
there were approximately 705,000 people in Maine’s labor force,
up 1.8% since 2023 and almost 8,000 above pre-pandemic
levels. In 2024, the overall number of nonfarm payroll jobs
exceeded pre-pandemic levels thanks to gains in professional and
business services, construction, and health care. Jobs in leisure
and hospitality nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, while jobs
in wholesale trade and manufacturing were below them.

As baby boomers retire, the ranks of working-age Mainers are
shrinking. Furthermore, many young people are delaying entering
the labor force to pursue education and training opportunities.
Even before the pandemic, this was contributing to a slow
decline in Maine’s labor force. While it is too soon to say whether
the recent gains are permanent, they suggest that Maine may
be attracting more working-age people from other states and
countries, retaining more of the young people born here,
and/or having more individuals participate in the workforce.

Maine's Labor Force

710,000

Source
U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics

700,000
690,000
680,000
670,000
660,000
650,000

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Employment Growth in Maine By Selected Sectors, 2019-2024
9500

-400

-600

-1100

Manufacturing

-200

Wholesale Trade

100

Leisure & Hospitality

200

Transportation
& Utilities

300

Information

400

Financial Services

800

Other Services

1800

Private Educational
Services

Retail Trade

Health Care and
Social Assistance

Construction

Professional and
Business Services

2000

Mining & Logging

4100

Government

5000

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Labor Force Participation
+2%

In 2024, 83% of Maine adults ages 25-54 were in the labor force,
up 2 percentage points from 2023.
Benchmark: Maine’s labor force participation rate for prime-working-age adults
will match or exceed the national average.

As Maine’s population ages, the economic contribution of
every individual becomes even more important. The labor
force participation rate is the percentage of residents who are
either working or looking for work. In 2024, 83.2% of Maine
prime-working-age adults (ages 25-54) were in this category.
This estimate comes from household surveys and is subject to
revision, so these numbers should be interpreted with that in
mind. People of all ages are invaluable to Maine’s workforce;
this age range is presented here to compare Maine workers
with their peers in other states.

Maine adults at every age are about as likely to be in the labor
force as people in other states. The chart below shows that
Maine adults of all ages work at about the same rates as their
peers nationwide. However, we have a higher share of residents
age 65 or older, and fewer people in this age group work. In
2023, 23% of Maine’s population was 65+ compared to just
18% of the U.S. population.
Potential measures to increase Maine’s labor force participation
rate include higher wages, increased childcare access, reduced
schedules for older workers, and outreach to new Mainers and
people with disabilities, veterans, disengaged youth, and others.

Labor Force Participation Rate by Age
100%

Maine

Source
U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics;
Maine Department of
Labor Center for Workforce
Research and Information;
U.S. Census Bureau

U.S.
Participation
falls sharply
after age 64

80%
60%
40%
20%
0%

16-24 yrs

25-34 yrs

35-44 yrs

45-54 yrs

55-64 yrs

65+ yrs

Labor Force Participation Rate for Adults Ages 25-54
US

90%

Maine

85%

80%

75%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Gross Domestic Product
+3%

In 2024, Maine’s GDP rose 3%, slightly above other New England states.
Benchmark: The growth of Maine’s GDP will outpace that of New England and the U.S.

Maine’s Real Domestic Product by
Major Industry Sector 2024

Gross domestic product (GDP) provides a sense of Maine’s
overall economic performance. It reflects the market value of all
goods and services produced in the state and some nonmarket
goods and services provided by government agencies and
nonprofit institutions.
In 2024, Maine’s GDP rose 3.0% adjusted for inflation, meeting
the benchmark by continuing a five-year trend of growth slightly
above the U.S. and New England averages (2.8% and 2.9%,
respectively). Growth was spread across many industries, with
manufacturing and accommodation and food services being the
exceptions. By this measure, Maine ranked 17th of the U.S. states.
Over the past decade, growth has exceeded the U.S. and other
New England states, mainly because during the 2020 recession
Maine’s GDP did not decline as sharply as it did elsewhere.
Real estate, professional and business services, government,
and health care and social assistance together made up over
one-half of Maine’s GDP in 2024.

Industry Sector

GDP Millions
of Dollars

% of
Total

% Change
2023- 2024

Real Estate

$13,183

17%

3%

Professional and Business Services

$10,469

14%

2%

Government

$9,220

12%

3%

Health Care and Social Assistance

$8,883

11%

4%

Retail Trade

$6,942

9%

10%

Manufacturing

$6,787

9%

0%

Finance and Insurance

$4,871

6%

4%

Wholesale Trade

$3,384

4%

3%

Accommodation and Food Services

$3,108

4%

-1%

Management of Companies
and Enterprises

$2,871

4%

7%

Real Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate

130

New England

Maine

Source
U.S. Bureau of
Economic Analysis

U.S.

Index Points (2014=100)

120

110

100

90

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

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Value Added: Glidden Point Brings
Innovation to the Working Waterfront
“Value-added” refers to transforming Maine’s
natural resources into higher-value products and
experiences. It builds local wealth, strengthens
communities, and creates lasting prosperity
across the state.

Glidden Point Oyster Farm is helping to chart a new
course for Maine’s working waterfront. Although the
farm has been around since the 1980s, current owner
Ryan McPherson and his team are pioneering a new
business model that draws from the state’s maritime
heritage while advancing a relatively new industry:
oyster aquaculture.
Unlike lobsters or clams, oysters were not
traditionally a hallmark of Maine’s seafood economy.
But McPherson thinks that can change. Maine’s
clean water, strong community of growers, and
marine bioscience resources create a foundation
for a thriving industry. As a buyer for about 20 small
farms, McPherson is helping scale production across
the state, while maintaining the high-quality, Mainegrown reputation that keeps chefs and consumers
coming back.

Bag of 100 oysters ready to be shipped to markets across
the country (Photo: Glidden Point Oysters)

“Getting to meet people and chefs from all over
the country and talk about oysters—you can’t put
a dollar value on that…That’s the real magic.”
Ryan McPherson
Owner
Glidden Point Oyster Farms

Glidden Point doesn’t just grow oysters. They also run
a small retail shop; offer experiential tours that include
education about oyster farming, shucking lessons,
and/or tasting sessions; operate a wood-fired sauna;
and provide direct-to-consumer shipping. While these
don’t necessarily generate big profits, they deepen
engagement and strengthen the brand’s relationship
with consumers.
By adding cultural and experiential value to a
natural resource, Glidden Point is showing how to
capture the full value of Maine oysters—not just in
dollars, but in community, education, and customer
loyalty. In the process, they are helping to build a
new kind of waterfront economy—resilient, rooted,
and ready to grow.

Farm manager washing oysters, one of the last steps
before shipping (Photo: Glidden Point Oysters)

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

FUN DAM E N TAL P E RFORM AN C E I N D I C ATO R S

Value Added
+1.7%

In 2024, value added per worker rose 1.7% but remained
21% below the U.S. average.
Benchmark: Maine’s value added per worker will improve to within
15% of the U.S. average by 2030.

This indicator measures the productivity of workers by dividing
gross domestic product by the total number of part- and full-time
jobs. Maine has a relatively high share of part-time jobs, which
lowers our value added per worker. Productivity also reflects skill
levels, business costs, and a region’s mix of industries.
Worker productivity in Maine is lower than in most other states,
but it has been increasing. It ranked 44th among the 50 states in
2024, up from 48th in 2016. Adjusted for inflation, value added
rose 1.7% to $119,597 per worker. The U.S., New England, and
EPSCoR* states grew 1.6%, 2.3%, and 1.2%, respectively. By this
measure Maine is now 21% behind the nation, an improvement
from 2010-2019, when Maine trailed the U.S. by 24% on average.

Both the Council and the State’s 10-Year Economic Strategy
draw attention to the importance of increasing value added to
grow Maine’s economy and boost wages. The Council seeks for
Maine to be within 15% of the U.S. average by 2030, while the
State strives for 10% growth from 2017 levels.
* EPSCoR is the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research, a program to assist places with historically
low levels of funding for research and development. There are 25 states in
the program. (See the table of contents for a full list of states)

Real Value Added per Worker

$175,000
U.S.

Maine

New England

Source
U.S. Bureau
of Economic Analysis

EPSCoR

$150,000

$125,000

$100,000

$75,000

$50,000

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Administered
by MDF

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

ECONOMY

In keeping with the
entrepreneurial spirit

Owners Jocelyne Kamikazi and husband Andre Nzeyimana at the counter of Burundi Star Coffee in Portland
(Photo credit: Tim Greenway/Mainebiz)

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2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

International Exports
+16%

In 2022-2024, Maine exports were 16% higher than the previous
three-year period.
Benchmark: Maine’s international exports will grow at a pace faster than
U.S. international exports.

Maine businesses exported $3.1 billion worth of goods in
2024, up 3% from the previous year. This metric looks at exports
over three years because in Maine’s small economy, exports in
any given year can fluctuate sharply based on the sales of a few
companies. From 2019-2021 to 2022-2024, Maine exports
rose 16%. That was strong growth, although less than the 27%
national growth rate.
In 2024, Maine’s gains and losses occurred across a range
of industries. Sales of wood pulp, chemical products, and
beverages grew, while sales of mineral fuels and oil, wood
products, and aircraft parts fell. Seafood exports rose slightly,

but are still 33% below their 2021 peak, likely due in part to
China’s tariff on U.S. lobster. Canada remains Maine’s leading
trade partner with $1.3 billion in exports in 2024, followed by
Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, and China.
Sales to customers in other states and countries provide
valuable opportunities for Maine businesses. According to one
estimate, international exports account for about 2.0% of Maine
businesses’ total sales (below the national rate of 3.9%). Sales
made within Maine to international customers, such as those to
foreign tourists and students, also provide injections into the
state’s economy, but are not tracked.

International Exports (Rolling Three-Year Average)

150

United States

125

Source
Maine International
Trade Center;
Camoin Associates

Maine

Index Points (2012-2014=100)

100

75

50

25

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Source: Maine International Trade Center

Administered
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2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Research & Development
In 2022, R&D spending as a share of GDP rose 24%
but remained far below national levels.

+24%

Benchmark: Maine’s research and development spending as a proportion
of the economy will reach the U.S. average by 2030.
Research and development (R&D) spending is an indicator
of the level of innovation in an economy, an important driver of
economic growth. In 2022, Maine’s total R&D spending was
$1.2 billion, up 36% from the previous year. This growth was
distributed across industry (+31% growth), higher education
(+16%), and non-profit organizations (+73%). In all, Maine’s R&D
spending equaled 1.4% of total gross domestic product (GDP),
compared to 4.1% nationwide. This ranks Maine 42nd of the
50 states and is about three-fourths of the 1.8% average among
EPSCoR states. Maine lags other states in private sector and

university R&D investments relative to GDP, while our non-profit
sector contributes a relatively high proportion of spending.
The University of Maine System Board of Trustees has prioritized
the expansion of R&D across the system. In 2022 the University of
Maine earned an R1* top-tier research designation, and in 2024,
its R&D expenditures reached $249 million, a record high.
*”R1” refers to doctoral universities with “very high research activity,” as
defined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Total Percent of GDP Toward R&D
by Major Performance Sector, 2022

8%
7%

Source
Camoin Associates;
University of Maine

6.3%

Other

6%

Not-for-Profit
Higher Ed

5%

Industry

4.1%

4%
3%
1.8%

2%

1.4%

1%
0%

Maine

EPSCoR (Total)

New England (Total)

US

Total R&D Spending as a Percent of Gross Domestic Product
7%

United States

6%

EPSCoR (Total)

New England (Total)

Maine

2018

2021

5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2019

2020

2022

Administered
by MDF

20

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Research & Development: Collaborative
Research and Investment Strengthens
an Iconic Maine Industry
Research and development fuel the innovations
that will shape Maine’s future. Bringing together
universities, businesses, and entrepreneurs,
R&D investments help create new knowledge,
products, and services that grow our economy.
Maine’s wild blueberry industry is one of the state’s
most iconic agricultural traditions and its enduring
success is deeply tied to a unique partnership with
the University of Maine. In 1945, recognizing the
need for research to support production, blueberry
growers formed the Wild Blueberry Commission of
Maine. They worked with lawmakers to establish a
small tax on every pound of blueberries processed in
the state. Those funds (still collected today) directly
support research at the University of Maine that
benefits the industry.
This investment has paid off many times over—in the
past five decades, blueberry production has risen
500%. In recent years, university researchers have
developed weather-based monitoring systems that
help growers control mummy berry, a fungal disease
that can devastate yields. By pinpointing the short
window when treatment is most effective, the system
reduces both crop losses and unnecessary pesticide
use. Another breakthrough has been in managing the
invasive spotted wing drosophila, a fruit fly capable
of ruining an entire harvest. Research showed that the
pest enters fields from the edges, leading growers to
adopt targeted perimeter spraying—cutting costs and
chemical use while protecting the crop.

Nirav Mehta in front of a wild blueberry harvester
(Photo: Eric Venturini, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine)

“These farms and businesses, with support
from the University of Maine research team,
are working incredibly hard to maintain this
critical, iconic industry for Maine in the face
of incredible competition.”
Eric Venturini
Executive Director
Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine

Looking ahead, the University and the Commission
are collaborating on harvest efficiency, testing new
technologies that could dramatically increase crop
yield. This work holds promise for helping Maine’s
wild blueberry industry thrive in an increasingly
competitive market.
Together, growers and researchers are safeguarding
not just a crop, but a cornerstone of Maine’s cultural
and economic identity.

Dr. Seanna Annis in the field (Photo: University of Maine)

Administered
by MDF

21

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Entrepreneurship
-12%

In 2023, the ratio of business starts to closures fell 12 percentage
points but remained positive for a tenth year.
Benchmark: Maine’s ratio of business start-ups to closures will be positive
and equal to or above the national average.

This entrepreneurship metric compares the number of
business establishments that are started in Maine each year with
the number that close. A start-up-to-closure ratio greater than 1
means more businesses are being created than closed each year.
In 2023, Maine’s ratio of start-ups to closures was 1.09,
meaning 9% more businesses were created (3,591) than closed
(3,289). This was just below to the U.S. ratio of 1.12 but it was the
tenth year during which Maine’s ratio was positive. The creation
of new businesses is a vital economic activity. Entrepreneurship

contributes to innovation, creates jobs, and builds wealth. In a
vibrant economy, people have the skills to identify and respond
to business opportunities, access to capital, supports for starting
and scaling businesses, and connections to human capital.
Note: This metric has been updated with a new data source (the U.S. Census
Bureau’s Business Dynamics Statistics) that captures openings and closures
of traditional business establishments. The previous data source captured
these plus relocations of remote workers, which made it a less accurate
measure of entrepreneurship.

Ratio of Business Start-ups to Closures

More Start-ups

1.4

Maine

Source
U.S. Census Bureau

U.S.

1.2

More Closures

1.0

0.8

0.6

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics

Administered
by MDF

22

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Prekindergarten Education
In 2024, the share of Maine four-year-olds in public pre-K
rose 1 percentage point to 49%.

+1%

Benchmark: There will be universal preschool access in Maine by the
2026-2027 school year.
High-quality, affordable early care and education are critical
to Maine’s economic development. It prepares young Mainers
for success in school and supports their parents’ full participation
in the workforce, a fact highlighted during the COVID pandemic.
In 2023, a new state law established the goal of “universal
access” to public preschool for all Maine four-year-olds by
the 2026-2027 school year. The National Institute for Early
Education Research estimates that 47% of Maine four-year-olds
were enrolled in public pre-K in 2022-2023, surpassing
pre-COVID levels and exceeding the U.S. average of 35%.
The remaining 53% of Maine children were not enrolled.

The extent to which this was due to lack of access or family
choice is unknown. A significant number of unenrolled children
may be part of the 9% of Maine four-year-olds in Head Start
programs. They may also be receiving Special Education services.
The percentage of Maine school districts with at least one
public pre-K classroom has increased dramatically, from 24%
in the late 2000s to 85% last year. According to the Maine
Department of Education, many districts that do not yet offer
public pre-K are either very small and lack enough four-year-olds
to justify a program, or are larger and may lack the space,
capacity, and/or financial means to open and sustain a program.

School Districts with Public Pre-K Programs

100%
72%

75%

71%

75%

85%

79%

77%

76%

Source
85%

Maine Department
of Education;
National Institute for
Early Education Research

91%

77%

50%

0%

100%

2014-15

2016-17

2018-19

2020-21

Maine 4-Year-Olds in Public Pre-K

2022-23

Public PreK

2024-25

Unenrolled

80%

60%

40%

20%
0%
2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Administered
by MDF

23

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Fourth-Grade Reading
+4%

In 2024, the percentage of Maine 4th graders who were proficient in reading
rose 4 percentage points to 33% but were below national standards.
Benchmark: The percentage of Maine students scoring proficient or above
on NAEP will reach 50% by 2030.

In 2024, 33% of Maine 4th graders met the reading proficiency
benchmark of the National Assessment of Educational Progress
(NAEP). This was an improvement from 29% in 2022 but below
the national average of 39%. By this measure, Maine ranked 44th
lowest of the 50 states. Before COVID, Maine ranked at or above
the national average. A sample of 1,900 Maine 4th graders took
the assessment.

Fourth-grade reading scores are an indicator of future
outcomes like educational attainment, employment, and earnings.
Fourth-grade reading proficiency is defined as solid academic
performance and competency over challenging subject matter,
application to real-world problems, and appropriate analytical
skills. The NAEP tests representative samples of fourth and eighth
graders every other year to allow national and state comparisons.

Percentage of 4th Graders Scoring Proficent or Above in Reading

2017

2019

National Center for
Education Statistics;
National Assessment
of Educational Progress
(NAEP).

33%

40%

29%

35%

39%

Maine

32%

36%

35%

36%

36%

36%

35%
2015

40%

New England

43%

43%

United States

Source

2022

New England average
is unweighted.

2024

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
New England average is unweighted.

4th Graders Scoring Proficient or Above in 2024
U.S.

NEW ENGLAND

MAINE

39%

40%

33%

Administered
by MDF

24

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Eighth-Grade Math
In 2024, the share of Maine 8th graders who were proficient in mathematics
rose 1 percentage point to 25% but remained below national standards.

+1%

Benchmark: The percentage of Maine students scoring proficient or above on NAEP
will reach 50% by 2030.
In 2024, 1 in 4 Maine 8th graders (25%) met the math proficiency benchmark of the National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP). This was an increase from 24% in 2022, but
below the national average of 27%. By this measure, Maine
ranked 31st lowest of the 50 states. Before COVID, Maine
ranked at or above the national average. In 2024, 1,900 Maine
8th graders took the NAEP assessment.
Eighth-grade math scores reflect foundational skills and
indicate whether students are on track for college and career
readiness. Math is a cornerstone of the STEM (science,

technology, engineering, and math) disciplines, which can
lead to in-demand job skills and well-paid careers in growing
fields. Math addresses knowledge and skills to solve problems,
make sense of information, and accurately gather and evaluate
evidence to make decisions.
Eighth-grade math proficiency is defined as solid academic
performance and competency over challenging subject matter,
application to real-world problems, and appropriate analytical
skills. The NAEP tests representative samples of fourth and eighth
graders every other year to allow national and state comparisons.

Percentage of 8th Graders Scoring Proficient or Above in Math

2017

2019

New England average
is unweighted.

25%

27%

24%

28%
2022

30%

Maine

26%
2015

National Center for
Education Statistics;
National Assessment of
Educational Progress
(NAEP).

34%

38%

New England

33%

36%

39%

34%

32%

35%

40%

United States

Source

2024

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
New England average is unweighted.

8th Graders Scoring Proficient or Above in 2024
U.S.

NEW ENGLAND

MAINE

27%

30%

25%

Administered
by MDF

25

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Postsecondary Degrees & Credentials
+1.5%

In 2023, 56.6% of Maine adults had a degree or credential of value,
up 1.5 percentage points.
Benchmark: By 2025, 60% of Maine adults will have a degree or credential of value.

In 2023, an estimated 56.6% of Maine adults ages 25-64 held
an associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree, or a
credential of value, up from 55.1% in 2022. Most of the recent
growth was in bachelor’s degrees.
Maine has made significant progress in postsecondary
attainment, with the share of adults holding a credential of value
rising 6.1 percentage points since 2018. The Council supports
Maine’s statutory goal of 60% of adults holding a degree or
credential by 2025 – a goal promoted by MaineSpark, a coalition

of education institutions, nonprofits, foundations, government
agencies, and businesses.
This metric recognizes the growing importance of
credential career paths, including professional certifications,
licenses, digital badges, and military service. The Lumina
Foundation reports that in 2023, 7.3% of Maine adults ages
25-64 who lacked postsecondary degrees held one of these
occupational credentials. That is above the New England
average of 5.9% and below the national average of 7.8%.

Source
Lumina Foundation

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

Certificate

Industry Certificate

Adult Ages 25-64 Degree Attainment Rates, 2023
Associate's
Degree

Bachelor's
Degree

Graduate or
Professional Degree

Credential or
Certificate

Total

Maine

11.5%

25.1%

12.6%

7.3%

56.6%

New England

7.8%

26.6%

20.2%

5.9%

60.6%

United States

9.2%

23.4%

14.5%

7.8%

54.9%
Administered
by MDF

26

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Cost of Doing Business
0%

In 2022, Maine’s cost of doing business was unchanged.
Benchmark: Maine’s cost of business will decline to the U.S. average by 2030.

2022 New England State Ranks: Business Costs

In 2022, Maine’s cost of doing business ranked 10th highest
in the U.S., but second lowest in New England. The broader
Northeast region consistently has higher business costs than
other areas of the country. Historically, Maine’s costs have
exceeded the Northeast average but in 2022 they were below
the average for the second year in a row. Maine’s labor costs are
19th in the country, while its tax burden ranks 7th.
Moody’s Analytics’ cost of doing business index is a weighted
scale of labor costs (wages, benefits, and productivity),
commercial and industrial electricity costs, and state and local
tax burden. A value of 100 equals the U.S. average.

(1 is highest)

Overall

Energy

Tax Burden

MA

2

4

4

13

VT

3

12

8

3

NH

7

7

6

50

RI

8

14

5

11

ME

10

19

10

7

CT

11

44

7

5

Cost of Doing Business

115

Labor

Source
Moody’s Analytics

Northeast

Maine

U.S.

South

West

Midwest

Moody's Analytics Index Points

110

105

100

95

90

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Administered
by MDF

27

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Cost of Health Care
+0.5%

Proportional health care expenditures rose 0.5 percentage points in 2024.
Benchmark: Maine’s health care spending as a percentage of total personal
expenditures will decline to the New England average by 2030.

Our measure of health care costs tracks the percentage of total
personal expenditures that are devoted to health care. Maine
people and businesses consistently identify the high cost of
health care as a major concern.
In 2024, health care spending in Maine stood at 17.3% of all
personal expenditures, down from its peak of 19.0% in 2019.
While health care expenditures in Maine are higher than the U.S.
and New England rates, the gap has narrowed. They fell sharply
in 2020, largely due to the decline of noncritical services during

COVID. Still, in Maine and across the nation, about 1 in 6 dollars
generated in the economy goes to medical expenses.
In 2024, the median contribution for family health insurance
coverage of a Maine employee was $6,100. By this measure,
Maine ranked 17th highest of the 50 states. For employers, the
median contribution was $20,000 — among the 15 highest.
These estimates come from a relatively small survey and should
be interpreted with caution.

Health Care Expenditures as
Percentage of Total Personal Expenditures

Source
U.S. Bureau of
Economic Analysis;
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services

20%
United States

Maine

New England

19%

18%

17%

16%

15%

14%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Median Contribution for Family Coverage, 2024
EMPLOYER

EMPLOYEE

$20,000
$18,000

$6,100

MAINE

$6,100

U.S.

Administered
by MDF

28

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

Cost of Energy
-6%

The average price of electricity fell 6% in 2024, although commercial
and industrial rates rose slightly.
Benchmark: The cost of electricity in Maine will be the lowest in New England by 2030.

The average retail price of electricity paid by customers across
all sectors (residential, industrial, and commercial) fell 6% in
2024, from 20.84 to 19.62 cents per kilowatt hour, coming
down from an unusually high year in 2023. Nationwide, prices
increased 2%. Maine’s electricity rates are the second lowest in
New England, and 15% below the regional average, but they
exceed the national average by 51%.
Residential energy prices, paid by Maine homeowners and
many small businesses, fell 13% in 2024. Industrial rates paid by
large production facilities (for manufacturing, agricultural, and

construction, etc.) rose 3%. Commercial rates paid by hospitals,
large retailers, office and residential facilities, also rose 3%.
Electricity is a significant cost for many businesses, especially those
in energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing. The energy
intensity of Maine’s economy is about average for the U.S. (ranking
28th of the 50 states in 2022) but the highest in New England.
Note: This metric has been updated to reflect the average electricity price
across all sectors (residential, industrial, and commercial) and reports the
movement within each sector in the narrative. Previous editions of Measures
of Growth focused exclusively on industrial prices. This new, broader measure
reflects the importance of energy costs for all businesses and households.

Average Retail Electricity Price (All Sectors)

25

New England

Maine

Source
U.S. Energy Information
Administration

United States

Cents per Killowatt Hour

20

15

10

5

0

2014

2015

2016

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Maine Electricity Sectors, 2024

Number of
Accounts

Total Electricity Use
(million KWh)

Average Retail Price 2024
(cents)

Change
(2023-2024)

Residential

740,817

4,878

23.89

-13%

Commercial

111,007

4,098

18.35

+3%

Industrial

1,927

2,268

12.71

+3%

Administered
by MDF

29

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E CO N O M Y

State & Local Tax Burden
+0.2%

In 2022, Maine’s tax burden rose 0.2 percentage points to 11.7%.
Benchmark: Maine’s tax burden will decline and move toward the
New England average each year through 2030.
State and Local Tax Burden Rank 2022

The percentage of total personal income paid in state and
local taxes (property, sales, income, corporate, motor vehicle,
and other taxes) is our tax burden measure. This measure can be
reduced by lowering taxes, increasing incomes, or both. While
taxes impose costs on individuals and businesses, they generate
revenue for public services and investments.
In 2022, Maine’s tax burden was 11.7%, a 2% increase from
11.5% in 2021. Meanwhile, the New England and U.S. average
tax burdens rose 9% and 7%, respectively. Maine’s tax burden
was 7% above the New England average, compared to 19% in
2019 and 2020. Maine ranks 10th highest of the 50 states in state
and local taxes as a percentage of income and 16th highest in
tax collections per capita. This measure does not account for the
portion of sales and property taxes paid by out-of-state visitors
and second-home owners.

(1 is highest)

State

% of Income

Rank

Per Capita

Rank

U.S.

10.7%

-

$7,089

-

NE

10.9%

-

$8,688

-

VT

12.8%

5

$8,152

9

ME

11.7%

10

$7,185

16

CT

11.4%

12

$9,703

3

RI

10.9%

14

$6,993

17

MA

10.9%

15

$9,327

6

NH

7.9%

48

$5,930

29

State and Local Taxes as a Percent of Income

14%

Maine

New England

Source
U.S. Census Bureau
and U.S. Bureau of
Economic Analysis

U.S.

12%

10%

8%

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

State and Local Taxes as a Percent of Income in 2022
NEW ENGLAND
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis

10.9%

MAINE

11.7%
Administered
by MDF

30

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

COMMUNITY

Living, working, and
moving forward together

Family participates in the Annual Spring Roadside Cleanup Day in Belfast
(Photo credit: Maine Department of Transportation & Main Street Maine)

Administered
by MDF

31

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Internet Connectivity
In 2025, 92% of Maine locations have average or broadband internet,
up 3 percentage points.

+3%

Benchmark: Anyone in Maine who wants a high-speed internet connection
can have one by 2025.
Locations with Broadband Service, 2025

High-speed internet is vital to participation in modern society
and critical for communities to attract and retain businesses and
residents. The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is committed
to expanding access to reliable, high-speed, affordable internet
service statewide.
Data from the federal government shows that 50% of Maine
locations currently have internet that provides 100 Mbps
download and 100 Mbps upload (“100/100” or “broadband
internet”) or higher. Forty-two percent have access to speeds
between 100/20 and 100/100 (”average service”), and 8% have
speeds below 100/20 (”unserved”).
Since 2022, MCA has allocated over $400 million of state
and federal funds to enable connectivity for more than 110,000
locations. At this time, all locations in Maine have an option for
working internet. Those in unserved areas have the option for
subsidized satellite-based service, ahead of planned wired and
wireless solutions that will be deployed in the next few years.

(100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload)

Coastal Counties
Knox

58%

Cumberland

53%

Hancock

53%

Sagadahoc

50%

York

42%

Waldo

36%

Lincoln

26%

Central Counties
Anrdoscoggin

66%

Penobscot

59%

Kennebec

50%

Rim Counties
Somerset

84%

Franklin

71%

Piscataquis

67%

Aroostook

34%

Washington

32%

Oxford

30%

Percentage of Maine Locations with Internet Access by Service Level
2022

2023

2024

2025

Average Service

80%

65%
60%

61%

Broadband
50%

0%

50%
42%

Unserved

40%

20%

Source
Maine Connectivity
Authority

100%

39%
25%

22%
14%

11%

Below 100/20

13%

8%
100/20 - 100/100
Internet Speed (Mbps download / Mbps upload)

100/100 or Higher
Administered
by MDF

32

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Housing Affordability
In 2024, the share of households unable to afford the median-priced
home worsened 1 percentage point to 64%.

+1%

Benchmark: The percentage of households unable to afford the median-priced
home will remain below 50%.
Data on homeownership affordability shows a troubling trend.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in homebuying that
pushed up sale prices in Maine and nationwide. As a result, the
estimated percentage of Maine households that cannot afford
the median-priced home has risen from 39% in 2020 to 64% in
2024.* This means the cost of the home’s mortgage, taxes, and
insurance would exceed 30% of the household’s income. This
number may be inflated due to an increase in sales of high-priced
homes. Nevertheless, the need for affordable housing is a
recurring theme across the state.
Housing is a significant portion of household budgets,
and housing costs reflect everything from the supply of
housing stock, to public policies regarding planning and new
construction, to lending practices and interest rates. Regions
with affordable housing are better able to attract and retain
workers. Affordable housing also has broad positive impacts on
health and childhood development, which benefit individuals
and communities alike.
*This estimate reflects a new methodology adopted by MaineHousing in
2025. The affordability threshold was raised from 28% to 30% to align with
industry standards, and updated data cleaning and estimation procedures
were adopted as part of MaineHousing’s continuous improvements.

Households Unable to Afford
Median-Priced Home 2024
(Use no more than 30% of gross income for house payment)

Coastal Counties
Knox

81%

Sagadahoc

77%

Cumberland

77%

York

75%

Lincoln

74%

Hancock

74%

Waldo

66%

Central Counties
Androscoggin

67%

Kennebec

66%

Penobscot

55%

Rim Counties
Oxford

69%

Franklin

64%

Somerset

59%

Washington

56%

Piscataquis

52%

Aroostook

46%

MAINE

64%

Maine Households Unable to Afford Median-Priced Home

Source

(Use no more than 30% of gross income for house payment)

MaineHousing

63%

64%

2023

2024

58%
46%

32%

33%

2015

2016

36%

2017

38%

38%

39%

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Administered
by MDF

33

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Transportation
In 2024, 72% of Maine roadways were rated good or fair,
unchanged from 2023.

0%

Benchmark: At least 85% of highway corridor Priority 1 miles will be
rated Excellent, Good, or Fair.
The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) grades
roadways from A (excellent) to F (unacceptable). In 2024, 1,063
miles (72%) of Maine’s most traveled and economically significant
(“Priority 1”) roadways were graded A, B or C, unchanged from
2023, but up from 58% in 2018-2019. MDOT attributes this to
increased state and federal funding. Four hundred eighteen miles
(28%) were graded D or F. Our roadways carry the vast majority of
passengers and freight. Poor road conditions can lead to personal
injury, property damage, and extended commute times.

Transportation plays a crucial role in the functioning of
our economy. Together, roads, rails, airports, and seaports
promote economic activity by getting goods and people to
their destinations efficiently and affordably. Public transportation
is a critical component of this system, allowing people to
access employment and services without a car, and reducing
congestion and pollution. According to research published by
the John T. Gorman Foundation, Maine’s current public transit
operators meet just 11% of estimated need.

Source

Highway Miles Rated Excellent, Good, or Fair

70%

67%

67%
61%

2014

2015

2016

2017

58%

58%

59%

2018

2019

2020

66%

67%

2021

2022

Maine Department
of Transportation;
John T. Gorman Foundation

72%

72%

2023

2024

Source: Maine Department of Transportation

Administered
by MDF

34

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Transportation: Driving Opportunity
in Aroostook County
From harbors to highways, transportation networks
fuel Maine’s growth and vitality. Innovative
organizations are expanding access so everyone
can reach the places and opportunities that move
them forward.

In Aroostook County, reliable transportation can
mean the difference between having a job and being
cut off from opportunity. The Workforce Connector,
operated by Aroostook Regional Transportation
System and funded by the Maine Department of
Transportation, bridges this gap. The service picks
up riders at home and takes them directly to and from
work for free. This enables people without a car—
or who share one with other household members—
to work jobs that would otherwise be out of reach.
The impact can be life-changing. Some now have
their first steady job because they can finally get
to work on time. Others have taken better-paying
positions with employers farther from home. One
person who was unhoused says, “After months of
using the service and hard work, I was placed into a
permanent position and my son and I stepped out of
homelessness and into our own apartment.”

Main Street in Presque Isle (Photo: istock)

“In our area, if you do not have a car, you can’t
reach out to get a job because you can’t get to
an interview and then you can’t make it to work.”
Lisa Smith
Mobility Manager
Aroostook Regional Transportation System

Riders describe feeling less isolated and more in
control of their futures. Matt Bechard eventually
purchased a car with the money he saved from no
longer taking taxis and working more. “I finally
feel independent. I can work extra shifts on the
weekends, go where I need to go, when I need to go.
It’s a huge relief.”
In a place where opportunity is often spread across
hundreds of square miles, the Workforce Connector
is doing more than moving people from point A to
point B—it’s driving opportunity.
Aroostook Workforce Connector van with ARTS staff members
Hillary Harris, Lisa Smith, Aaron Conroy, and Travis Drost
(Photo: Aroostook Regional Transportation System)

Administered
by MDF

35

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Safety
-8%

Maine’s crime rate fell 8% in 2023.
Benchmark: Maine’s crime rate will remain 33% or more below
the U.S. rate through 2030.

Maine’s crime rate fell to 12.2 per 1,000 residents in 2023.
This was 47% below the national average and third lowest
of the 50 states. Violent crimes fell 2.2% despite the mass
homicide in Lewiston in October 2023. This is because
there were declines in two other categories of crime in that
measure—aggravated assault and rape. Property crimes fell
7.6%. Maine’s low crime rates are likely due in part to the age
of its population since criminal offenses decline with age.

Crime rates measure physical safety, an important aspect
of quality of life. Crime is costly to individuals and impacts
communities by depressing property values, discouraging
investment, and increasing insurance premiums. The crime rate
includes data on larceny, burglary, aggravated assault, motor
vehicle theft, rape, robbery, arson, and murder.

Reported Crimes per 1,000 People

Source

40
Maine

Federal Bureau
of Investigation

U.S.

30

20

10

0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Source: Maine Department of Public Safety, Maine State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation

Administered
by MDF

36

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Physical Wellness
-0.6%

In 2024, 67% of adult Mainers were overweight or obese, down
0.6 percentage points. This rate has been consistent for over a decade.
Benchmark: The combined percentage of overweight and obese adults in Maine
will decline to 50% by 2030.

In 2024, 2 out of 3 Maine adults (67%) were overweight
(body mass index of 25 to 29.9) or obese (body mass index of
30 or greater), just below the national average. Maine’s rate
has steadily risen, up from 56% in 2000. Excess body weight
increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease,
stroke, asthma, arthritis, and some cancers. These conditions

negatively affect quality of life and workplace productivity,
and increase medical expenses.
In 2022-2023, almost 1 in 3 Maine youth ages 6-17 (32.5%)
was overweight or obese, equal to the national rate. Childhood
obesity is a serious, widespread problem that can cause
long-term health challenges.

Percentage of Overweight and Obese Adults
75%

Maine

Source
U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention;
Center for Child and
Adolescent Health
Measurement Initiative

U.S.

70%

65%

60%

55%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Comparing Maine Adults: 2000 & 2024
U.S. Centers
for Disease
Control
and Prevention
Source:
U.S. Center
for Disease
Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Normal/underweight

2000

44%

2024

33%

Overweight

Obese

36%
34%

20%
33%

Administered
by MDF

37

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Mental & Behavioral Health
+2%

In 2022-2023, the percentage of children with a mental and/or
behavioral condition rose 2 percentage points.
Benchmark: The share of Maine children with a diagnosed mental and/or
behavioral condition will decline over time.

Mental and behavioral health plays an important role in how
children learn, grow, form relationships, and handle stress. It
influences their overall health and well-being, and their future
conduct as employees, parents, and community members.
In 2022-2023, an estimated 35% of Maine children had a
diagnosed mental, emotional, and/or behavioral condition such
as anxiety, depression, a learning disability, or autism.* This was
up from 26% in 2017-2018 and significantly higher than the U.S.
average of 26%. In 2023, 35% of Maine high schoolers reported
feeling sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more.
According to the Maine Children’s Alliance, “teen mental health
is a growing crisis in the state and the nation.”

Many older Mainers are also experiencing challenges. Mental
wellness impacts individuals’ quality of life and their activities
at home, at work, and within their communities. In one recent
survey, 18% of Maine adults reported symptoms of anxiety or
depression. An equal percentage of adults nationwide reported
these symptoms — up from just 11% in 2019. Maine saw record
drug-related deaths in recent years. Although the numbers are
declining, the impacts of substance use ripple through households,
schools, and communities.
* Diagnoses are reported by parents and include anxiety, depression,
behavior and conduct problems, developmental delay, intellectual disability,
speech or language disorder, learning disability, Autism, Attention Deficit
Disorder or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Tourette Syndrome.

Children with a Mental and/or Behavioral Condition

Source
National Children’s
Health Survey,
U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention;
Maine Integrated
Youth Health Survey;
U.S. Census Bureau
Household Pulse Survey

40%
Maine

U.S.

2019-2020

2020-2021

30%

20%

10%

0%

2017-2018

2018-2019

2021-2022

2022-2023

Source: National Survey of Children's Health

Administered
by MDF

38

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Health Insurance Coverage
+0.7%

In 2023, the percentage of Mainers with health insurance coverage
rose 0.7 percentage points and remains above the U.S. average.
Benchmark: The percentage of Maine’s population with health insurance coverage
will rise and remain above the U.S. rate.
Population Under Age 65 with
Health Insurance Coverage, 2023

This measure tracks the proportion of the population with
health insurance coverage. Higher health insurance coverage
rates improve access to health care services, support local health
care systems, and boost families’ ability to pay for necessities.
The proportion of Maine residents with health insurance
coverage has exceeded 90% since 2015. In 2023, it was 94%,
which exceeds the national average of 92%. An estimated
81,000 people in Maine do not have health insurance coverage.
Regionally, health insurance coverage rates for people under
age 65 range from 89% in Washington County to 94% in
Cumberland County.
The Census Bureau’s Small Area Health Insurance Estimates
offer data on racial differences in health insurance coverage
in Maine. In 2023, 92-93% of White and Asian Mainers under
age 65 had health insurance coverage, compared with 90% of
Black Mainers, 88% of American Indian Mainers, and 83% of
Hispanic Mainers.

Coastal Counties

Rate

Cumberland County

94%

York County

93%

Sagadahoc County

93%

Waldo County

92%

Lincoln County

91%

Knox County

90%

Hancock County

90%

Central Counties
Kennebec

93%

Androscoggin

92%

Penobscot

92%

Rim Counties
Piscataquis County

91%

Aroostook County

91%

Franklin County

91%

Somerset County

91%

Oxford County

90%

Washington County

89%

Population with Health Insurance Coverage

100%

Maine

Source
U.S. Census Bureau

United States

95%

90%

85%

80%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Administered
by MDF

39

2025 Measures of Growth Report

CO M M U N I T Y

Food Security
+1%

In 2021-2023, the share of Mainers experiencing food insecurity
rose almost 1 percentage point to 10.9%.
Benchmark: Maine’s percentage of food insecure households will decline
to the U.S. average by 2030.
Food Insecurity Rates by County, 2023

Food insecurity has broad negative impacts on health,
child development, education outcomes, and productivity.
Food-insecure households have disrupted eating patterns,
reduced food intake, and reduced quality or variety of diet.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 1 in 9
Maine households (10.9%) was food insecure in 2021-2023, up
from 9.5% in 2019-2021.* This increase may reflect the cessation
of pandemic-era federal supports for low-income households,
such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, and new restrictions to
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Maine’s
rate of food insecurity was below the national average of 12.2%
and above the New England unweighted average of 9.5%.
County-level data are from a different source with a slightly
higher estimate of food insecurity (14% for Maine in 2023).
According to Feeding America, 2023 food insecurity ranged
from 11.6% in Cumberland County to over 16% in Aroostook,
Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington counties.

Coastal Counties

Rate

Cumberland

11.6%

York

12.3%

Knox

12.3%

Lincoln

12.5%

Sagadahoc

12.9%

Hancock

13.1%

Waldo

14.4%

Central Counties
Kennebec

14.5%

Androscoggin

15.0%

Penobscot

15.3%

Rim Counties

* In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture terminated
the annual Household Food Security Reports that generate these
estimates. It has not identified a replacement for this long-standing
national benchmark.

Franklin

14.5%

Oxford

15.3%

Somerset

16.5%

Aroostook

16.7%

Piscataquis

17.3%

Washington

18.1%

Food Insecure Households, 2013-2023

Source

(Three-Year Average)

20%

U.S. Department
of Agriculture;
Feeding America

U.S.
New England

15%

Maine

10%

5%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023
Administered
by MDF

40

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

ENVIRONMENT

By land, lake,
sea, and stream

Friends of Baxter State Park looking toward Mt. Katahdin from Millinocket Lake at New England Outdoor Center
(Photo credit: New England Outdoor Center (NEOC))

Administered
by MDF

41

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

Air Quality
-12

days

In 2024, there were 27 moderately unhealthy days, 12 fewer than in 2023.
Benchmark: The overall number of days classified as a health risk and the severity
of risks will be maintained through 2030.

In 2024, there were 25 moderate air quality days, and 2 days
rated unhealthy for sensitive groups (e.g., people with heart and
lung disease, older adults, children). This was a return to recent
levels after a spike in 2023 due to smoke from wildfires beyond
Maine’s borders.
After declining in the 1980s and 1990s, air quality in Maine
has improved substantially, and is better than most other states.

Maine’s air quality index is based on ozone levels and reflects
the number of days each year when the maximum ozone level
recorded in the state reaches moderate or unhealthy levels.
Maine’s air quality contributes to health and wellness, and makes
it an attractive place to live, do business, and visit. Air quality is
subject to factors both within and beyond our borders.

Maine Air Quality Index, 1980-2024
Moderate

100

Source
Maine Department of
Environmental Protection

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Unhealthy
Very Unhealthy

Total Number of Days

75

50

25

0

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Source: Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Administered
by MDF

42

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

Sustainable Forestlands
+3%

In 2023, the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio rose 3% to 1.55
and remained above the sustainability goal.
Benchmark: A net growth-to-removal ratio of approximately 1:1
will be maintained over time.

Sustainable forestry supports Maine’s economy, environment,
and quality of life, and well-planned forest management activities
can help address issues related to forest health, climate change,
and other factors affecting forest conditions.
The sustainable management of Maine’s forests is measured
by the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio of timber by volume (not
acreage). A net growth value above one means growth exceeded
removals, and a value below one means removals exceeded
growth. In 2023, the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio rose 3%
to 1.55 and remained sustainable. Net timber volume growth

has exceeded removals over the past decade. In other words,
Maine has been growing more wood volume than it has been
harvesting. That was not the case in the previous two decades.
Forests cover nearly 90% of Maine’s land area. Private entities
and individuals own 92% of forested acreage, with much of it
accessible to the public. Forests provide habitat for wildlife, help
protect air and water quality, offer recreational opportunities,
and supply raw materials for products ranging from paper to
building materials to alternative fuels.

Timberland Growth-to-Removal Ratio

Source
Maine Forest Service

MORE GROWTH

2.5

2.0

1.5

BALANCE LINE

MORE HARVEST

1.0

0.5

0
1971 1982 1995 2003 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Administered
by MDF

43

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

Water Quality: Skowhegan—Where the
Past Flows into the Future
Maine’s environment is a treasured asset and
central to our cultural identity. It can also be a
foundation for sustainable economic growth
and strong communities.

Skowhegan has always drawn opportunity from the
Kennebec River and surrounding land. Long before
industry arrived, the Wabanaki people used the river
for transportation and planted crops along its banks.
Later, it fueled log drives and powered mills. Today,
the town is reimagining its natural assets as engines
of an economy rooted in outdoor recreation, local
food, and quality of life.
This transformation is the result of decades of planning
and engagement. A recent survey showed $34 million
in current or planned investment in Skowhegan’s
downtown, including a $24 million redevelopment
of the former Spinning Mill that will bring a boutique
hotel and market-rate housing to the riverfront. Since
2015, every $1 invested in Main Street Skowhegan,
the Town’s community revitalization organization, has
generated over $20 in grants and sponsorships.

Sunset over the Kennebec in downtown Skowhegan
(Photo: Capshore & Kennebec Valley Tourism Council)

“If we make Skowhegan a great place to live,
then it’s also a great place to visit, to move,
to start a business, to invest.”
Kristina Cannon
President and CEO
Main Street Skowhegan

The planned Skowhegan River Park and promenade
aim to draw on the town’s greatest natural asset.
Paddlers will ride a newly designed whitewater wave.
People will gather on a riverfront boardwalk with fire
pits, games, and views of the gorge.
Revitalization in Skowhegan also creates
opportunities for residents. Main Street Skowhegan
provides free outdoor gear and teaches residents
how to navigate the trails and rivers that define the
region. A new shared-use commercial kitchen will
give food entrepreneurs a space to grow. In every
project, the past and future move forward together
as residents return to the river, honor the land, and
put old resources to work in powerful new ways.

Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival
(Photo: Jonathan Wheaton Photography)

Administered
by MDF

44

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

Water Quality
0%

In 2024, Maine maintained its excellent water quality rating.
Benchmark: The percentage of Maine’s assessed water bodies classified
as Category 1 or 2 will be maintained over time.

This measure is based on reports by the Maine Department
of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) on the water quality of Maine rivers, streams, and
lakes. The proportion of water bodies achieving Category 1 and
2 (“good”) classifications are compared to the rest of the U.S.
Maine’s rivers, lakes, and streams provide drinking water and
support ecosystems. They are part of the natural environment
that supports tourism.

Since 2008, Maine’s water quality has been very high, with
95% of rivers and streams and 91% of lakes achieving Category 1
or 2 in 2024. Nationally, just 29% of U.S. rivers and streams, and
20% of the lakes, were rated “good” in 2025. The drop in U.S.
quality has many causes, including a significant increase in the
number of assessed water bodies, differing assessment methods
across states, and actual declines in water quality.

Source

Water Bodies Rated Category 1 or 2 ("Good")*
Maine Rivers and Streams

Maine Lakes

U.S. Rivers and Streams

U.S. Lakes

100%

Maine Department of
Environmental Protection
*U.S. ratings for 2016
reflect multiple years
between 2014 and 2022.
2018-2022 includes
reporting for 2018, 2020,
and 2022. The chart
shows 2024 for Maine and
2025 for the U.S. As of
the release of this report,
Maine’s 2024 ratings have
not yet been verified by
the EPA.

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018-2022

2024-2025

Source: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2016 U.S. data spans mutliple years in some states. 2

Administered
by MDF

45

2025 Measures of Growth Report

E NV I R O N M E N T

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
+1.4%

From 2020 to 2021, GHG emissions rose 1.4%.
Benchmark: Greenhouse gas emissions will fall 45% below 1990 levels by 2030.

In 2020, Maine’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell when
the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted daily activities. In
2021, they rose slightly, from 21.6 to 21.9 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide. However, emissions were still 30% below 1990
levels, meaning Maine is continuing to progress toward its goal
of 45% below 1990 levels by 2030.
In 2003, Maine became the first U.S. state to enact a
statutory GHG target. The original goal was for emissions to be
10% below 1990 levels by 2020. Maine has been consistently
below this target since 2016. In 2019, further legislation set the

goal of reducing emissions 45% below 1990 levels by
2030 and 80% by 2050.
According to the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection, 94% of Maine’s emissions are from energy
consumption, mostly from the combustion of petroleum
products. The other 6% is from agriculture, industrial
processes, and waste management. Movement toward
renewable energy sources and lower carbon fuels such as
natural gas have contributed to reduced emissions.

Maine Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Source
Maine Department of
Environmental Protection

40

Million Metric Tons of CO2 Equivalent

35
2020 Goal: 10% Below 1990 Level

30
25
20

2030 Goal: 45% Below 1990 Level

15
10
5
0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Source: Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Administered
by MDF

46

2025 Measures of Growth Report

Background

The Nature of Data

The Maine Economic Growth Council was established by
statute in 1993 to develop, maintain, and evaluate a longterm economic plan for Maine. Its members represent a
broad cross-section of Maine’s key constituencies. Members
are jointly appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and
Speaker of the House. The Council is co-chaired by Steve
Von Vogt, President and CEO of Maine Marine Composites,
and State Representative James Dill (D-Old Town). The annual
Measures of Growth report is a widely used and respected
report on Maine’s economy. The report is revised from
time to time to provide the most current and meaningful
assessment of Maine’s progress toward long-term economic
growth and a high quality of life for all Maine people.

The Growth Council strives to provide the most accurate,
timely, and consistent data available. Some source data
are regularly revised as methodologies improve and
more information becomes available. As a result, the data
presented here may differ slightly from that of past reports.
The Council accounts for these limitations in identifying
overall trends and policy implications.

The Council is administered by Maine Development
Foundation (MDF), a public-private, non-partisan
membership organization created in statute in 1978 that
drives equitable, sustainable, long-term economic growth for
Maine. The work of the Growth Council is financed by a state
appropriation through the Maine Department of Economic
and Community Development, with additional support
provided by the membership of MDF.

Acknowledgements
The Maine Economic Growth Council and MDF extend their
sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations
that generously provided data and guidance in the
development of this report. Special thanks to Meghan Grabill
of the Maine Connectivity Authority, Andrew Bickmore of
the Maine Department of Transportation, Jim Damicis of
Camoin Associates, Wade Merritt of the Maine International
Trade Center, Jonathan Kurzfeld of MaineHousing, Morten
Moesswilde and Jereme Frank of the Maine Forest Service, and
Stacy Knapp, Meagan Sims, and Martha Webster of the Maine
Department of Environmental Protection. This year’s report
was written by Catherine Reilly with contributions by MDF’s
Kathleen Shannon Nichols. The print version was designed by
Cassidy Parmley of Pica and printed by Edison Press. The web
version was designed by Josh Emerson of VONT.

Maine Economic Growth Council Members 2025
Stephen Von Vogt, Co-Chair
President and CEO
Maine Marine Composites

Donna Cassese
Government Relations Consultant
Sappi North America

John Napolitano (Retired)
Former President, Maine State Building
and Construction Trades Council

Hon. James Dill, Co-Chair
State Representative
House District 26

James Erwin (Retired)
Lawyer
Former Chair, University of Maine
System Board of Trustees

Hon. Harold Stewart
State Senator
Senate District 2

LuAnn Ballesteros
Vice President, External and
Government Affairs
The Jackson Laboratory

Steve Hewins
Hospitality Consultant
Former CEO, HospitalityMaine

Keith Bisson
President
Coastal Enterprises Inc.

Thomas Kittredge
Economic Development Director
City of Belfast

Sheena Bunnell
Professor of Business Economics
University of Maine at Farmington

Tim Walton
Founder and President
Walton External Affairs
Phoenix McLaughlin
(Commissioner’s Designee)
Director of Strategy Implementation,
Maine Department of Economic and
Community Development

Online Report available at:
www.mdf.org/economic-policy-research/measures-of-growth-report

Administered
by MDF

47

VISION
A high quality of life
for all Maine people

ECONOMY

QUALITY
OF LIFE

COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENT

Administered by

P.O. Box 3, Augusta, ME 04332 / 207-622-6345 / mdf.org