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Updated: 1 hour ago

Business development is on the agenda in Rockland

An aerial view shows buildings and streets. Photo / Courtesy Shannon Shipman, City of Rockland Rockland City Council approved a proposal to forge an economic development business attraction plan. The downtown is seen here in 2022.
By Laurie Schreiber

Rockland City Council approved a proposal this week to forge an economic development business attraction plan designed to foster sustainable economic growth, support local business development and improve capacity to attract new investment and quality jobs.

The proposal was modeled off similar successful efforts in Ellsworth and Saco to help accelerate economic growth and broaden the local tax base, Adam Lachman, a Rockland City Council member, told Mainebiz in an email.

The coastal Knox County “is at a critical juncture,” Lachman wrote. “Affordability is becoming a real crisis for too many residents, and our overburdened tax base is no longer sustainable.”

Proactive steps are needed to grow and diversify the local economy, he said.

The proposal “lays the foundation for smart, inclusive growth,” he continued.

Strategies include developing a market analysis and an action plan to identify opportunities to create quality jobs, expand Rockland’s economic base “and keep Rockland a vibrant, livable community for all,” he said.

Business activities

The city’s offerings include marine and fishing businesses, retailers, hotels, publications, the nonprofit Island Institute, the Farnsworth Art Museum and other cultural venues. This year, the  Maine Boat and Home Show returned over the summer after a year off, the Farnsworth expanded its campus and a 49-unit project to develop affordable senior housing development was wrapping up.

Rockland is boosting its profile as a cruise-ship destination, with 50 port calls last year. 

Market attraction

The order directs the city manager to develop and issue a request for proposals for the preparation of a comprehensive economic development plan and market attraction strategy for the city. The manager will select a consultant to work with the city staff and a steering task force.

A final report is due to the council by Nov. 30, 2026.

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