MAP President's Letter, Winter 2026

Hello and Happy New Year to our Maine Planning Community.

As I begin this letter, I would like to introduce myself as I step into the role of President of the Maine Association of Planners this year. It is truly an honor to serve in this position, and I look forward to collaborating with our members to promote positive and meaningful impacts across the great State of Maine. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our outgoing President, Amanda Bunker. Through her many years of dedicated service and strong leadership, MAP has been guided to the positive and successful place it is in today.

In thinking about the big picture for our State, planning trends for Maine are expected to center around sustainable development, climate resilience, and rural revitalization. As the impacts of climate change continue to challenge coastal and inland communities, municipalities across Maine are placing a stronger emphasis on adaptive land use policies. Coastal towns are implementing shoreline zoning and flood mitigation strategies to manage sea-level rise and storm surge risks. Meanwhile, state agencies are encouraging the integration of renewable energy projects, especially solar and offshore wind, into local comprehensive plans, aligning with Maine’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. These efforts are often paired with infrastructure modernization projects, such as broadband expansion and electric vehicle charging networks, to bolster economic and environmental sustainability.

In addition, Maine’s demographic shifts are influencing planning priorities. With an aging population and a growing influx of remote workers, communities are rethinking housing, transit, and public service delivery. Initiatives focus on expanding mixed-use housing developments, strengthening regional transportation systems, and refining workforce housing strategies to attract and retain younger residents. Altogether, Maine’s planning trends reflect a forward-looking approach—one that integrates environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and equitable growth for the decade ahead.

With these thoughts in mind, we hope that you will consider participating in the various committees/events of MAP to help support our profession and create a more robust network for all of us to tap into when initiatives arise.

Here’s to 2026!