APPROVED CHAPTER
JUNE 16, 2023 51
BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-THREE
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H.P. 1242 - L.D. 1934
Resolve, to Improve the Coordination and Delivery of Planning Grants and
Technical Assistance to Communities in Maine
Sec. 1. Review of planning grants and technical assistance to communities
in this State. Resolved: That the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future shall review
opportunities and structural changes in the organization of State Government and make
recommendations that will result in the improved coordination and implementation of
planning grants and technical assistance programs for communities in this State and
regional planning and development organizations. The review must:
1. Consider the municipal planning grants and technical assistance needs of
communities, especially the smallest and most underfunded communities, particularly
related to navigating complex challenges, including, but not limited to, land use planning,
climate resilience, natural resource protection, transportation, housing development,
economic development and infrastructure;
2. Consider state programs that currently exist to provide municipal planning grants
and technical assistance to communities in this State to help them address those needs, and
identify gaps in services and geographic coverage;
3. Consider mechanisms to support municipalities and regional planning and
development organizations in competing for ongoing competitive state and federal funding
opportunities;
4. Recommend the most effective organizational structure for state-funded programs
that support local government to ensure that municipalities and regional planning and
development organizations that support communities have the support they need in a
coordinated, easily accessible manner with fewer points of entry; and
5. Recommend the optimal organizational structure and staffing configurations and
include a summary of budget implications to improve coordination and implementation of
planning grants and technical assistance.
Sec. 2. Consultation. Resolved: That the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
shall consult with diverse stakeholders, including representatives of municipalities and
regional planning and development organizations, to provide input on their needs and
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recommendations, and the office shall coordinate recommendations with leadership and
staff from the state agencies that manage programs and grant funds across State
Government that support community planning and technical assistance, including the
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Department of Community and
Economic Development, the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of
Transportation, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of
Environmental Protection, and coordinate with the Department of Administrative and
Financial Services to consider and develop recommendations regarding any budget and
staffing issues.
Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future shall
submit a report including proposed legislation and financial and staffing implications with
regard to its review and consultation under this resolve to the Joint Standing Committee on
State and Local Government and the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and
Financial Affairs by December 6, 2023.
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