About the Policy Leaders Academy

 

xxxx The Policy Leaders Academy a nonpartisan educational program for Maine Legislators on the Maine economy, which has been delivering high quality, objective and non-partisan experiential training to Legislators since 1985.  Its purpose is to help Legislators understand: 

 

• Maine’s dynamic economy, the drivers of long-term growth, and what it takes to achieve job creation.
• Maine’s regional economies, the interdependence and differences among these regions.

• How business operates and how investment decisions are made.
• The impact of public policy decisions on businesses and regional economies. 

 

The result is better-informed decision-making by Maine’s Legislators.

 

 

Program

 

Regional Economic Tours bring Legislators into Maine businesses and educational facilities to see first hand the strengths and challenges facing regions. The Tours broaden Legislators’ understanding of economic issues in regions outside their districts and provide networking among all legislators that builds lasting relationships.

 

Shadowing and Briefings are conducted for business and community leaders on how the Legislature works, how laws are made, and how they can participate in the process. Business and community leaders shadow their Legislator partner by spending one day at the Statehouse.  Legislators spend one day with their partner in the community or business.

 

The curriculum is built around Measures of Growth, a report of the Maine Economic Growth Council prepared by the Maine Development Foundation (MDF).  The report contains performance measures and benchmarks for achieving Maine’s long-term economic goals.

 

The Policy Leaders Academy is financed by private contributions from MDF’s business, education, and nonprofit members.  This diverse source of funding allows all legislators to participate in the program at no cost other than their lodging and meals.  Business and community leaders pay a nominal fee to cover expenses.

 

For more information contact or Henry Bourgeois at the Maine Development Foundation.

Testimonials

 

“The most important thing the Policy Leaders Academy is doing is keeping leaders informed with facts.”

 

“Anytime that legislators can spend quality time together in an informal atmosphere helps us to know and understand each other better, and thus to work better together”

 

“The experience was enlightening. It is one I would encourage all business people who have little or no first hand experience regarding the workings of Maine's legislative process. After all, it is our legislature.”

 

“This experience was invaluable. It really succeeded in putting a human face on state politics. I will value the connections I made there!”