LCRPC Adopts 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan

A message from our Executive Director:

Did you know Butterball - the turkey producer - has a turkey talk line you can call during the holidays? They'll help you with questions like "how long does it take to thaw a turkey?" or "what to do if my turkey doesn't fit into my roasting pan?".

Started in 1981 and with a staff of six, they fielded 11,000 calls in their first year. Now the turkey talk line employs nearly 50 home economists and nutritionists who respond to more than 100,000 questions each November and December.

Other famous hotlines include the Bat Phone, the iconic red phone in Wayne Manor reserved solely for Commissioner Gordon to contact Bruce when the City of Gotham needed Batman.

Tommy Tutone knew when he dialed 867-5309 Jenny was on the other end of the phone.

You're probably wondering why I'm rambling about famous phones in pop culture. It's a topic that's been on my mind since joining LCRPC in 2020 when our Board was working on their first Strategic Plan.

I was told the Planning Commission and its predecessors LECEDO and the County Planning Office were fielding phone calls from municipalities, businesses, residents, and nonprofits on a range of topics. The Commission of three employees was trying to be all things for all folks, as one Board member explained during a Strategic Plan Committee meeting.

What we needed to do was refine the areas of work the Planning Commission focused on, developing action areas for staff to undertake on behalf of the County and municipalities. Become proactive instead of reactive.

What I always took away from that meeting was the volume of calls on a wide range of topics that were being directed to the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. It spoke to the need for support from this organization to communities and the County overall on topics ranging from economic development and community engagement, to sea level rise, to transportation corridor planning. The list went on. What I also heard was "I've found my people! LCRPC is 1-800-Planning".

For the past 16 years this organization has been there to assist our towns, its residents, business owners, and the County Commissioners on a number of issues. The original Strategic Plan - adopted in April 2021 - refined our focus.

The priority areas of Housing, Transportation, Broadband, Intergenerational Community Building, Economic and Community Development, and Environmental Sustainability became our guiding work areas. And I'd say the work that's been completed in these areas is nothing short of impressive.

Under the original Strategic Plan, we've seen Lincoln County become the first county in Maine to have fiber in every town. Through the completion of the Housing Needs Assessment in 2023, we've worked with the County Commissioners to award over $1 million in ARPA dollars towards affordable housing planning and construction projects.

Staff have served as a resource to communities who sought to advance their climate resilience goals. This includes assistance with project scoping, grant writing, and project implementation.

They have hosted various workshops on grant opportunities, planning board trainings, a business booster workshop series, and a speed networking event with state agencies.

This team has also partnered with the State to share expertise, including serving on working groups of the Maine Climate Council, as advisors on the State's Housing Production Goals Advisory Committee, and as commissioner on the Governor's Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission.

In the first quarter of 2026, LCRPC has assisted 16 communities, provided over 465 hours of technical assistance, and hosted 8 workshops and events, all while still finding over 50 hours to attend professional development activities.

Our Board has been incredibly supportive of this work, championing staff to continue assisting our communities while also trying to avoid burnout. I think it's fair to say that on behalf of staff it is a pleasure to work for LCRPC and that we genuinely enjoy the work we do.

While these accomplishments are exceptional, our work continues. The Board decided with the 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan Update we should use the momentum that has been built over the past five years to continue to advance the strategic priorities of housing, broadband, transportation, economic and community development, intergenerational community building, and environmental sustainability.

The Plan Update serves to guide the LCRPC to continue to be effective in creating positive change for Lincoln County towns, residents, and businesses.

So, when you call Butterball you're going to get an expert who will tell you the risks of stuffing your turkey. When Commissioner Gordon calls Batman he knows help is on the way. When Tommy calls 867-5309, Jenny answers. And when you call 882-4271, you will be greeted by an exceptional staff who can assist you with your planning needs.

With appreciation,

Emily

The Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Board adopted the Strategic Plan Update for 2026 - 2031 at their Annual Meeting on April 15, 2026. The Lincoln County Commissioners approved the Plan on April 21, 2026.