Charting the Course

Charting the Course is written by GrowSmart Maine, a Portland nonprofit with a mission to promote and encourage new ideas and new ways of thinking about Maine's future. The columns are written by Christian MilNeil, GrowSmart's communications manager, and Maggie Drummond, GrowSmart's policy director.

Better branding
A new initiative shifts the economic focus to what Maine does well
From Nov. 30, 2009

Well schooled
The University of Maine looks beyond cost-cutting to widening impacts
From Oct. 5, 2009

Foot race
Neighborhoods' 'walkability' adds value, on and off the books
From Sept. 7, 2009

All aboard
A bill to create transit TIFs would pave the way for growth
From June 15, 2009

Striking local oil
Drilling down to create an energy-efficiency cluster would boost Maine's economy
From May 18, 2009  

Coming home
A young GrowSmart staffer recounts why he chose to return to Maine
From April 20, 2009

Core strength
Modest public investment in downtowns can woo big money from the private sector
From March 23, 2009

Change to survive
It's time we confront reality, welcome change and use our resources effectively
From Feb. 23, 2009

Moving to the center
New residential development appears headed back to Maine’s cities and larger towns
From Jan. 26, 2009

Local Stimulus
R&D bonds may be Maine's key to coming out of this recession with better jobs, richer prospects
From Dec. 29, 2008

Heading downtown
Protecting our community centers can keep Maine special and solvent. The time to act is now.
From Dec. 1, 2008

Energy opportunities
Ideas for a new Maine economy based on green innovation surface at GrowSmart summit
From Nov. 3, 2008

Making the brand
Maine's greatest asset is its uniqueness. Here's how we can protect it.
From Oct. 6, 2008

Getting there from here
As transportation costs mount, a shift to public transit could be the answer for Maine
From Sept., 8, 2008

Welcome the new Maine
A national public sector consultant suggests Maine may need a governmental overhaul
From Aug. 7, 2008