Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission

09/04/2026

“The long-awaited amendment will ensure residents can stay in their homes longer, and help the town prepare for worsening storms and climate change conditions.”

The Town of Kittery has unanimously adopted a new amendment to its floodplain management ordinance, directing new development toward areas with existing infrastructure and low flood risk. This is a key strategy in the town’s Climate Action Plan, developed in partnership with SMPDC.

We are proud to be working with Kittery and municipalities around the region to take action to address climate change impacts.

Check out the article here: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/08/25/kittery-adopts-long-awaited-ordinance-to-protect-vulnerable-shorelines/

09/02/2026

Planners from the Maine Office of Community Affairs are coming to York County to talk about the new housing laws applicable to municipalities, how to get to compliance, how your regional planners can help, and funding assistance available.

Join us on September 8th, 5:00-7:00pm at the Hollis Town Hall. There will be pizza! 🍕

Visit smpdc.org to register.

08/26/2026

Today we are saying a big thank you to Alec Campbell, SMPDC’s 2026 summer intern! ☀️

Alec joined us through the University of Maine Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center internship program. This summer, Alec made invaluable contributions to several projects across the organization, including our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Southern Maine (CEDS), Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan update, transportation data collection and analysis, and more. Thank you Alec for all your hard work. Stay in touch!

07/27/2026

How exciting to hear the success of the Town of Berwick, Maine's new Community Garden, funded by a Community Resilience Partnership grant. We loved being a part of the Open Space Planning process, and are proud to have supported the grant applications for both the Open Space Plan and the beautiful Community Garden it led to through our Resilience Coordinator program.

The garden was built in part with help from Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, where Krulik serves as program manager. During her visit, she saw that the project had become much more than a collection of garden beds.

07/09/2026

Climate change is a big topic, and often overwhelming. Our new Climate Change Impacts in Southern Maine: A Regional Summary, breaks down exactly how rising temperatures and a changing environment are impacting our local communities.

This update includes the latest climate science from sources like the Maine Climate Council’s Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and its Effects in Maine (2024) and Interim Climate Science Report (2026). The broad summary of southern Maine climate impacts is intended to help local communities develop their climate action priorities and inform the public about the potential effects of climate change in the region.

Through local actions and solutions, we can build stronger communities and protect all Maine community members from climate change impacts.

Visit www.smpdc.org/climateaction to view the report.

07/07/2026

Welcome, Alec! 👋 Alec joins SMPDC as an Economic Development Intern after finishing his Junior year at Saint Michael's College double majoring in Political Science and Economics. As an intern through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, Alec is bringing research and data analysis skills from past opportunities to assist with projects across the office. Outside of work, Alec enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing ultimate frisbee, golf and pickleball and is an avid New York Yankees and Knicks fan.

06/25/2026

SMPDC is in the final stages of publishing a newly updated Maine Land Use Law Book! The Land Use Law Book is a 5x7 reference handbook including Maine State law relevant to land use planning, zoning, and local regulation. It is a great tool for planners, planning boards, and other municipal staff. This edition will be current through the last legislative session of the 132nd Legislature, which adjourned in April.

Preorders are now open! We anticipate starting to ship books in July. Books are $20 for SMPDC members, and $25 for non-members. Visit https://smpdc.org/MLULB to order yours today!

06/08/2026

Join the Climate Ready Kittery project team tomorrow from 5-7pm! All who live or work in Kittery are invited to share your input on the future of Kittery's coastal roads. Register here: https://buff.ly/Hic6fQE

06/04/2026

We are excited to be working with the Hollis Conservation Commission on the Town of Hollis' first Open Space Plan! Join us June 18th to share your input.

Help shape the future of Hollis

Take the Open Space Plan Survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c9f3a1f23e264cae9551fe23d69d40cc

Join us for a Community Input Session Thursday June 18 at the Town Hall.

For more information or questions [email protected]

Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission