The department shall have the duties and responsibilities to: [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] 1. Implement policies and programs. Implement economic development policies and programs in compliance with the state economic development strategy; [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] 2. Work with other organizations. Work with other state agencies, municipalities and regional planning, community and economic development organizations for the purpose of assisting and encouraging the orderly and coordinated development of the State; [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] 3. Conduct planning and research. Conduct planning, research and analysis for department needs, but not macroeconomic forecasting, which is the responsibility of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. The department shall gather and maintain and must have access to all economic and other information necessary to the performance of its duties; [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §12 (RPR).] 4. Communication with private sector. Communicate, on a regular basis, with the private sector to inform the private sector of departmental programs and services and to determine the needs, problems and opportunities of the private sector; [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] 5. Prepare and distribute publications. Prepare and distribute publications that: A. Describe various business development programs within the State that are available to Maine businesses; [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] B. Describe the various community and economic development programs of the State; and [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] C. Market the State of Maine and its communities as suitable areas for business development; [PL 2003, c. 159, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2003, c. 159, §1 (AMD).] 6. Implement programs. Implement economic and community development programs which are assigned to the department by the Governor or Legislature, including those formerly administered by the following other state agencies: A. The programs of the State Development Office; and [PL 1987, c. 534, Pt. A, §§17, 19 (NEW).] B. Other community planning and development assistance programs of the former State Planning Office; [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §13 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 293, Pt. A, §13 (AMD).] 7. Contract for services. When contracting for services, to the maximum extent feasible, seek to use the State's private sector resources in conducting studies, providing services and preparing publications; [PL 2021, c. 672, §1 (AMD).] 8. Lead agency for business assistance in response to certain events. Be the lead agency for the State to provide information and business assistance to employers and businesses as part of the State's response to an event that causes the Department of Labor to carry out rapid-response activities as described in 29 United States Code, Sections 2801 to 2872 (2002); and [PL 2021, c. 672, §2 (AMD).] 9. Establish statewide housing production goals. Establish, in coordination with the Maine State Housing Authority, a statewide housing production goal that increases the availability and affordability of all types of housing in all parts of the State. The department shall establish regional housing production goals based on the statewide housing production goal. In establishing these goals, the department shall: A. Establish measurable standards and benchmarks for success of the goals; [PL 2021, c. 672, §3 (NEW).] B. Consider information submitted to the department from municipalities about current or prospective housing developments and permits issued for the construction of housing; and [PL 2021, c. 672, §3 (NEW).] C. Consider any other information as necessary to meet the goals pursuant to this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 672, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 672, §3 (NEW).]
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