Community & Economic Development

Economic Development

From lobstering to semiconductors, our vibrant and diversified economy supports a dynamic quality of life for the region. To promote economic growth, GPCOG provides a variety of planning services to both businesses and communities:

• Representation of regional interests at the statewide and national levels through the Southern Maine Economic Development District.
• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS): Coordinated by SMEDD, CEDS allows York and Cumberland County communities to become eligible for funding from the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA).
• Project development, including consultation, research and analysis, and grant writing.
• Strategic assistance to economically distressed neighborhoods, populations, communities, businesses, and industries.
• Planning assistance for comprehensive plans, downtown plans, and other economic and community development studies.
• Data collection and analysis on population, housing, employment, income, and other information.
• Access to capital for area businesses through the Regional Economic Development Loan Program and Revolving Loan Fund Program.
• Professional development opportunities for managers, planners, and economic development committees, including presentations, workshops, and other forums.

Staffing
Neal Allen, Executive Director
(nallen@gpcog.org)

Caroline Paras, Economic and Community Planner
(cparas@gpcog.org)

Vin DiCara, Loan Officer
(vdicara@gpcog.org)