GPCOG Strategic Plan 2030

2030 Strategic Plan Adopted May 14, 2024 by Executive Committee

VISION

A thriving region of strong cities and towns that work together to seize opportunities and respond to challenges.

MISSION

We strengthen communities and connect the region to build a vibrant, inclusive, resilient future.

VALUES

We operate with excellence. We know our stuff, see the big picture, and deliver solutions.

We connect people. We value relationships and collaboration, act with integrity, and bring communities and people together to get things done.

We are nimble. We respond and innovate to meet the moment.

We honor equity. We recognize historic economic, social and racial inequities and address them by including and engaging diverse voices to shape plans and investments that benefit all people.

We are stewards. We understand the need to preserve our region’s natural resources so people can thrive here for generations and can weather climate disruption.

STRATEGIES STRENGTHEN CITIES AND TOWNS.

We are our members’ first choice for information, services, and connection.

CONVENE THE REGION FOR ACTION.

We set the table for communities and partners to plan and work together to drive bold local and regional action on pressing issues.

INVEST IN THE REGION. We bring

resources to the region to improve people’s lives, neighborhoods, and businesses.

Four Outcomes & 13 Goals OUTCOME 1:

GPCOG members work together to save money, time and effort by sharing resources and adopting innovations, best practices, and technology. Municipal leaders and volunteers feel supported and have the information and skills they need to govern effectively in a time of polarization and disinformation. The region’s cities and towns have increased capacity.

2030 GOALS

1.

Member services: Offer all communities membership value tailored to their needs and priorities

2.

Regional collaboration: Engage more members in regional discussions, initiatives, and advocacy

3.

Leadership support: Provide municipal leaders, volunteer committees, and Councils/Selectboards with access to information, training, and facilitation services

4.

Capacity building: Offer members access to skilled support to address workforce gaps

Strong Local Government

OUTCOME 2:

Thriving, walkable communities resilient to climate change and with access to natural areas. The region is fully housed with homes that are affordable and are close to schools, stores, and jobs. Communities are connected by high-speed internet, public transportation, and trails. The region’s transportation system offers more safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation choices to residents.

2030 GOALS:

5.

Transportation: Develop, select and implement projects that advance the region’s long range transportation and Vision Zero plans through local, regional, and state partnerships

6.

Public transportation: Increase ridership by working with transit agencies to fund and implement the service changes recommended in Transit Together and by completing preliminary design for the region’s first rapid transit route

7.

Housing: Support members in welcoming 24,000 new homes for the people who need it, in the places that make sense, and in ways communities embrace

Great Places

OUTCOME 3:

Shared Prosperity

A diversified and competitive regional economy that provides opportunity to all residents and where government makes investments with and for historically disadvantaged communities.

2030 GOALS:

8.

Small business: Support business innovation through technical assistance, grants, lending, and referrals, and ensure a structure of support enables disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of available resources

9.

Digital equity: Catalyze the construction of a fiber ring encircling Sebago Lake and bring resources to libraries and adult education centers to expand digital equity​

10. Inclusive decision-making: Bring voices of historically underrepresented people to decision making tables across all GPCOG program areas

OUTCOME 4:

The region is doing its part to reduce greenhouse gases, on a path to achieving emission reduction targets in line with Maine Won’t Wait goals, and resilient to the stresses and shocks of extreme weather and climate change.

2030 GOALS:

11. Resilience: Bring in funding for projects that protect people, natural systems, and infrastructure from extreme weather and climate changes

Sustainable Future

12. Miles Driven: Implement projects that reduce the amount we need to drive 13. Electrify Everything: Partner with public and private sectors to expand electric vehicle use, charging infrastructure, and electric heating and cooling of buildings, and support municipalities in addressing grid issues and transitioning to renewables