Amplifying Rural Voices in Maine Climate Planning

In 2024, the University of Maine’s Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions partnered with the Maine Climate Council to support the update of Maine Won’t Wait, the State’s climate action plan. This project focused on expanding participation to include people not engaged in the original 2020 plan development and people who may experience barriers to engagement: households with low incomes, people of color, older adults, and rural and climate frontline communities. The Mitchell Center team partnered with 21 community-based organizations to conduct 73 engagements in 26 communities, collaborated with Wabanaki partners, and implemented a statewide survey co-designed with partners. Engagement and survey findings highlight the importance of climate solutions that meet basic needs—affordable transportation, housing, heating, and community services—and education, capacity building, and funding that address climate change and the cost of living in coordination. These insights informed the 2024 climate plan update and continue to guide policy development and implementation.