Our downtowns are natural hubs of economic and community activity. That’s why I support the work being done to revitalize downtown districts across the state. We know that these areas are essential to keeping our dollars local, supporting our local businesses and often creating jobs. We need to continue to look at ways to support and revitalize downtowns so they can help grow our economy.

One of the projects that has seen great success in recent years is the Heart of Biddeford organization. Since they were designated as a Main Street Community project by the Maine Development Foundation in 2006, Biddeford has seen 41 net new businesses, 115 net new jobs and $20.5 million in public and private downtown investment. Our downtown is clearly an economic force that deserves sustained investment for the future. 

The tangible positive results of downtown revitalization are undeniable. All you have to do is look at downtown Biddeford to see what happens when a community has the support of volunteers, resources and professionals dedicated to making a downtown a vibrant place that encourages economic growth and community.

The Maine Downtown Center began in 1999 with four communities as a way to encourage downtown revitalization. It now includes 30 communities and hosts popular programs like the Main Street Maine program, the Maine Downtown Network, Green Downtowns and Healthy Maine Streets. The growth of the center is a testament to the strength of its success.

A community’s downtown is the backbone of its local economy, and the more we can do to encourage the strength of these economic engines, the more benefits we will see as businesses create jobs and attract new customers.

We know that investment in downtown revitalization generates exponential economic activity. In fact, every $1 invested into the Heart of Biddeford program has generated an additional $43.37 invested in downtown Biddeford.

To give other communities the same opportunities Biddeford has had, in the last legislative session, I was proud to support a proposal to strengthen programs like Heart of Biddeford across the state by allocating $100,000 to the Maine Downtown Center. The bill was recommended by the Workforce Committee and passed the Senate and the House with broad bipartisan support.

Supporting this measure should be a priority for every community that could benefit from these programs. Since the Legislature passed the bill on the last day of the legislative session, it was held by the governor. When the Legislature reconvenes in January, the governor will have three days to sign or veto the bill. I hope he will join me and more than 100 of my fellow lawmakers in supporting this bill.

— Sen. David E. Dutremble is a Democrat who represents the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. He lives in Biddeford with his wife and children. His column appears on the first Monday of each month.