Investment in collaboration is a wise investment in Maine’s future. As this report details, the State’s decision to invest $1,000,000 in the creation of local and regional efficiencies in the delivery of municipal services is a worthwhile investment that is already paying dividends.

For the first time in nearly half a century, Maine State Government is actively pursuing a course of providing incentives in an effort to build a more efficient and effective delivery system for government services. If the results of this initial round of grants are any indication, regionalization holds great promise for Maine. The 26 projects that were funded are already providing benefits to communities in the form of more effective and efficient delivery of several types of municipal services. Investment in regionalization is an investment in the financial viability and sustainability of Maine’s municipalities. Regionalization can work and does work – even in as independent a state as Maine.