Policy Leaders Academy
Experiential training for Maine’s legislators
Policy Leaders Academy is a non-partisan educational program of the Maine Development Foundation for Maine Legislators on the Maine economy. This program has delivered high quality, objective and non-partisan experiential training to legislators since 1985. The program is open and free for all Maine Legislators.
Program participants learn about the fundamentals of the Maine economy and the factors that drive long-term growth. Participants learn how their public policy decisions affect the growth and investment strategies of Maine’s for-profit businesses and organizations. They learn this through interacting directly with business, non-profit, education and community leaders throughout Maine.
Policy Leaders Academy is a program of the Maine Development Foundation, with strong financial and personnel support from several prominent Maine foundations and organizations committed to a prosperous and thriving state.
2025-2026 Policy Leaders Academy Events
We are excited to offer the following programming for the 132nd Legislature:
Updated State Budget Primer Presentation & Dinner
On Thursday, January 15, join the primer’s author, Catherine Reilly, for a presentation and discussion of changes since the last primer in 2021, then stay for dinner and a civility-focused table conversation.
2026 One-Day Bus Tour to the Skowhegan Area
Join MDF for a one-day bus tour on Friday, January 16, leaving from Augusta in the morning and returning no later than 5pm. Hear from local business and community leaders about their work in rural health care, early childhood education, housing, and the forest products sector (including a tour of Sappi’s mill). We’ll provide a bus for those attending the entire day but you are welcome to drive yourself if you can only attend part of the day (there’s a field in the registration form to note this).
Workforce & Education Workshop
Thursday January 29th, 4-7pm, at UMA’s Capital Center for Nursing and Cybersecurity Workforce Development). Tour of facility, heavy appetizers, and discussion (led by Educate Maine) of critical goals and strategies in workforce and education. Be part of the conversation to shape Maine’s next goal to help people statewide have the credentials needed to thrive in the workforce and grow our economy. Please register even if you are unable to stay the entire time – the evening will be structured to accommodate your busy schedules!
Resources
Download the 2026 Maine State Budget Primer
Download the Executive Summary
Policy Leaders Academy Partners
Policy Leaders Academy is a program of Maine Development Foundation, with strong financial and personnel support from several prominent Maine foundations and organizations committed to a prosperous and thriving state. The generous support of these organizations allows MDF to leverage expertise from across Maine to provide legislators with rich learning opportunities at no cost to individual legislators.
This year’s Policy Leaders Academy is brought to you by the following partners:
“I always benefit from the opportunity to socialize with folks from the other side of the aisle.”
“I want to thank you and MDF for putting together this opportunity to learn more about Maine. In all aspects, it exceeded my expectations and gave me, as a new legislator, a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful relationships. I know the experience will be invaluable in representing my district and helping Maine move forward into the future.”
Feedback from past PLA participants