Plans & Studies

Resources

The City of Belfast recognizes the importance of targeted research, community input, and long-term planning in developing successful strategies for economic development. Stay updated by reading the following plans and studies:

Belfast Leadership & Action Summit

In 2007 community leaders and city officials decided to hold a “working summit” made up of representatives from various groups, agencies and constituencies throughout Belfast; this group worked together to pull the best ideas and recommendations and develop prioritized action plans from three reports (Creating Vibrancy in Belfast Maine, Charting Maine's Future: An Action Plan for Promoting Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Places, and the Maine Creative Economy Council Report). (Includes summary report and top ten project list.) Read more about the Belfast Leadership and Action Summit (PDF).

Belfast Renaissance Plan

Written in 1994, the intent was to create a plan that identified a vision of what could be for the waterfront and downtown area, and specific work and projects that the City and private property owners should implement to achieve this vision. The heart of the plan is a list of 37 recommendations which were intended to be completed between 1995 and 2005. (Includes 2005 status report on recommendations.) Read more about the Belfast Renaissance Plan (PDF).

Creating Vibrancy in Belfast Maine

Written in 2006, this a plan of action that identifies the City’s most unique and marketable assets and a strategy on how to capitalize on them, in order to increase vibrancy (both a result of, and a facilitator for, economic development) in Belfast. Read more about Creating Vibrancy in Belfast Maine (PDF).

Eastern Maine Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Eastern Maine Development Corporation engages various stakeholders in a planning process to establish the region‘s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, the region‘s vision for economic growth and development. Projects outlined in the strategy may become eligible for funding from the Economic Development Administration. Read more about the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Eastern Maine (PDF).

Maine Downtown Center Summary Report

As part of the benefits of being a Maine Downtown Network community, Belfast hosted staff from the Maine Downtown Center in August 2010, where they participated in an orientation meeting, took a thorough walking tour of the downtown, and held a wrap-up meeting. This report summarizes the team’s observations and provides comments, ideas, and suggestions as Belfast continues to work in the nationally-recognized Main Street model for downtown revitalization. Read more about the Maine Downtown Center Summary Report (PDF).