FARMINGTON – A regional town meeting on charting Maine’s future as described in the GrowSmart-Brookings Report will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, in North Dining Hall of Olsen Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington.

People are invited to attend to learn more about the recommendations from the Brookings Report and to share their opinions on how to secure a more prosperous future for Maine.

Presenter Alan Caron from GrowSmart will give an update on what actions the Legislature is considering based on the report’s recommendations, what it means for Franklin County as well as what individuals can do to help.

The Brookings Institute has recommended that the state invest in Maine’s quality of place – communities and outdoors; foster new business sectors and add value to traditional industries such as farming and forestry; help towns to work together to plan for the future, lower costs and reduce taxes.

The Brookings Report was released in October 2006 and contains recommendations for the state and for regional areas within the state. The report, commissioned by GrowSmart Maine, was conducted by The Brookings Institute and involved economists and researchers from around the state. The report examines Maine’s economy, cost of government and patterns of development.

GrowSmart formed four years ago as individuals searched for ways for smart growth as opposed to sprawl in Maine. Now GrowSmart Maine has evolved as a statewide nonprofit citizens’ organization that works to promote sustainable prosperity while protecting the state’s character and quality places.

Carole Ansheles of GrowSmart Maine said there will be a total of 27 town meetings held across the state. They have already conducted six that she said were well attended and included the legislators from the area.

The meetings, she said, are about finding a common ground so that people can understand and focus on what they have in common and what they can agree and act upon for a solution.

The report contains an Action Plan for Maine, she said, that’s not just about talking but focuses on actions to take.

District 18 includes towns in Franklin County and surrounding towns including Belgrade, Readfield, Wayne, Mt. Vernon and Fayette.