Organizers of a growing grassroots movement to build sustainable prosperity in Maine are inviting residents of the Lakes Region. The districts includes Gorham, Standish, Windham, Casco and Raymond.

The discussion takes place Monday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Standish Municipal Office on Route 35.

GrowSmart Maine is in the process of holding similar meetings throughout Maine to build support for major shifts in state policy just now being considered by the Maine Legislature.

The meeting will be moderated by GrowSmart Maine President Alan Caron, who will begin by reviewing the recommendations of the Brookings report that his organization funded.

“All the great landmark changes in Maine have started with the people, in one way or another, at the local level,” said Caron. “Real change doesn’t start in Augusta or Washington. It comes from the ground up. Maine is poised for prosperity, if we are willing and able to change and find new ways to work together. It won’t happen unless people work through our differences, get organized and demand change.”

Brookings recommends a streamlining of state government and K-12 administration to free up resources to invest in what matters, including the new innovation economy, land conservation, community revitalization, and preserving access to hunting, fishing and boating opportunities. Additional savings would go directly to tax reductions. The plan would also create incentives to help communities work together toward regional cooperation, and resources for Maine towns to plan and prepare for the future.

For more information, visit www.growsmartmaine.org.