Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) is a non-partisan council of governments serving thirty-nine member municipalities from Kittery, at the southern tip of York County, to Stoneham, at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest.
We cultivate thriving, sustainable communities and strengthen local governments by leading planning and economic development for 39 member towns in Southern Maine. The organization was founded in 1964 to provide technical expertise to municipalities in York, southern Oxford, and Cumberland Counties. SMPDC offers a coordinated effort for land use, smart growth, resource management, environmental sustainability, and transportation planning.
What's New
- Community Action Grants Round 7 is now open! Click here to learn more about the Community Resilience Partnership and how to access Community Action Grants.
- MaineDOT has released their 3-year Work Plan. Click the links below to access:
- The release of the Work Plan includes funding for multiple active transportation programs:
Active Transportation Partnership Initiative (ATPI): This is a state-funded program suited to small location-specific bike/ped improvements that will be implemented by the local municipality. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Temporary Demonstration/Pilot Projects: If your municipality is interested in implementing a temporary demonstration project in 2026 MaineDOT may be able to provide technical assistance and/or project materials.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding: MaineDOT will be accepting applications again this year for Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding, with a due date of July 15, 2026. This is a Federally funded program funding projects that support the development of biking and walking infrastructure in Maine.
- Questions about funding opportunities or specific Work Plan projects? Please reach out to Dean Williams, Transportation Director.
- SMPDC's most recent newsletter is packed with upcoming events and program updates.
Upcoming Meetings & Webinars
Community Resilience Partnership (CRP) Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
- This webinar series supports communities interested in applying for CRP grants by highlighting community projects and connecting participants with resources, state agencies, and peers. The upcoming Round 7 Community Action Grant cycle is opening in March. This series offers insights to help communities prepare strong, competitive applications.
- Upcoming Wednesdays from 12-1pm. Visit the CRP webpage to learn more and register.
Maine Planning Basics - Monthly Webinar Series
- The Maine Planning Basics Webinar Series, co-initiated by DACF, Maine’s Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs), and the Maine Association of Planners, is intended for those new to the profession and those new to planning in Maine.
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Training sessions are scheduled for the first Friday of each month. For more information and to watch past webinars, visit the DACF webpage.
Documents and Reports
- SMPDC 2025 Annual Report
- KACTS has released their draft work plan for 2024-2025 - visit the KACTS page for more information.
- SMPDC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
- This report summarizes the current economic conditions of the region and sets forth goals and recommendations for SMPDC over the next 5-years.
