SMPDC is a non-partisan nonprofit that cultivates thriving, sustainable communities and strengthens local governments by leading planning and economic development for 39 member towns in Southern Maine.
Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is governed by a member Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of both appointed and elected municipal officials from the 39 member towns. Each town appoints two members (in the case of cities up to 4) to serve on the General Assembly. Executive Committee members are elected each year at the SMPDC Annual Meeting from the General Assembly. The General Assembly approves the annual budget and work plan for SMPDC in addition to electing Executive Committee members and approving any by-law changes.
The SMPDC Executive Committee meets bi-monthly and sometimes more often. The Committee makes decisions on loans and grants, sets strategic directions, reviews budgets, sets dues amounts and acts as the ambassadors for the Commission in the region. The Committee includes a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Municipal and County dues form the basis for the operation of SMPDC. These funds are crucial for matching state and federal contracts and funding needed for overhead expenses. All dues paying members are counted as members of the Council of Governments.
SMPDC provides our towns with a variety of different services. Follow the pages below to read more about our ongoing services, and many active programs, initiatives and projects.
Transportation Planning including the KACTS MPO
Sustainability and Resilience Programs
The Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is a 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.
Founded in 1964 in response to an identified need for a coordinated effort for economic development and resource management, SMPDC has been conducting economic development, housing, and water quality planning and providing technical assistance to the municipalities in the region for over forty-seven years.
The purpose of SMPDC is to strengthen local municipal self-government while combining total resources for meeting regional challenges beyond individual capacities; to serve as a mutual forum to identify, study, and bring into focus regional challenges and opportunities; provide organizational support to enable communication and coordination among governments and agencies concerned with regional issues and opportunities; to act as an advocate where membership directs; and to exercise such powers as the member municipalities may delegate.
From the North (Saco)
Take Exit 36 of the Maine Turnpike in Saco and look for the exit ramp on 195 that says Saco Downtown. Bear to the right off the ramp and take Main street south through the Downtown and over the Amtrak rail line at the Saco Train Station. Just beyond the Train Station on the right will be Saco Island entrance for short term parking. Enter the Main door and take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor.
From the South (Biddeford)
Take Exit 32. At the Intersection go left on to Alfred Street. At the five points intersection, take a left and immediately bare to the right on to route 111, follow through town and over the bridge in to Saco. The entrance to Saco Island is the second entrance on the left. Enter the Main door and take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor.