Legislation to Revitalize Maine’s Downtowns Introduced

Bill’s sponsor, Senator Nancy Sullivan, stresses the economic importance of supporting downtown regions

AUGUSTA – State Senator Nancy Sullivan (D-Biddeford) recently introduced legislation to help encourage economic development in Maine’s downtown regions through an innovative public and private partnership.

The bill (LD 1187) would set up a revolving loan and provide seed money through matching funds and/or grants to target the creation of innovative business, light manufacturing, arts and cultural space, and small businesses.

“Maine takes pride in its quality of place and many of our downtowns make up a community’s unique identity,” said Sullivan. “Unfortunately, they can also be some of the more difficult locations to start up a business.”

Sullivan suggests this bill would help ease that burden.

A report by the Maine Chamber of Commerce identified the need to invest in our downtowns and Main Streets by encouraging businesses and residents to live in existing built-up areas and work to identify, protect, invest in, and market our most important assets, both natural and built. The “Making Maine Work” report also found that Maine has 19% more entrepreneurs per thousand people than the national average.

“This figure tells me that we have plenty of Maine people committed to doing their part to strengthen our economy,” said Sullivan. “I believe that my legislation will help more of Maine’s entrepreneurs succeed in the start-up and growth of business.”

To ensure that the business community is a part of the program, the bill would include a board to oversee the funds and how they are used. Its membership would include local officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the higher educational system, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), and Maine’s Small Business Development Center.

“I submitted this bill after conversations with business leaders and individuals in the communities I represent,” said Sullivan. “It is clear that their top priority focused on jobs and our economy and I believe that places like downtown Biddeford will greatly benefit from the fund.”

Portland’s Mayor, Michael Brennan, spoke in favor of the bill and mentioned an interest from other community leaders around the state.