1. Develop a long-term plan for the State's economy. The council shall:
A. Develop and recommend a long-range plan, goals, benchmarks and alternative strategies for a sustainable state economy; [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
B. Monitor progress in accomplishing the plan's vision, goals and benchmarks; and [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
C. Recommend changes in the plan to reflect the dynamics of the international, national and state economy. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
2. Process. The council shall use the following guidelines when developing the plan described in subsection 1.
A. The process must be long-term and continuous with a 5-to-7-year planning horizon. It must include clear authority for monitoring and evaluating on a regular basis. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
B. The process must have a strategic focus and measurable outcomes, with clear goal-setting and performance indicators. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
C. The council may appoint working groups and advisory committees as necessary, representing key concerned parties to accomplish the goals outlined in this section. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
D. The process must be statewide in scope, using available technology to ensure that all areas of the State have accessibility to the work of the council. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
E. Preparation and maintenance of the plan must be through a public and private partnership approach that is objective and nonpartisan. [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
3. Contents. The plan developed by the council must consist of:
A. A plan for the State's economy based on economic opportunity for all citizens and a shared commitment to sustainable development that recognizes that new forms of cooperation among government, business and society are required to achieve the goals; [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
B. Benchmarks for accomplishing the plan that are specific, quantifiable performance indicators against which each of the goals that have been set forth to accomplish the vision can be measured; [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
C. Alternative strategies to accomplish the benchmarks based upon the best practices in Maine, other states and other countries; [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
D. A strategy for the overall economy, broadly defined and not limited to what is traditionally termed "economic development." The plan must include consideration of education and training, redeployment of state resources, investments in science and technology and infrastructure; and [PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
E. Identification of:
(1) The types of industries and jobs with significant growth potential in the State;
(2) The State's evolving industrial base;
(3) The dynamic national and international markets;
(4) Existing efforts to convert military economies to civilian economies;
(5) Other relevant studies and evaluations in the private and public sector dealing with the long-term economic growth of the State;
(6) The work force challenges faced by welfare recipients and strategies to address their economic and related needs; and
(7) Other relevant studies and evaluations in the private and public sector concerning the availability of child care. [PL 1999, c. 272, §3 (AMD).]
[PL 1999, c. 272, §3 (AMD).]
4. Fiscal agent. The Department of Economic and Community Development shall serve as the council's fiscal agent providing regular financial reports to the council on funds received and expended and an annual audit. The council shall seek funds and accept gifts, if necessary, to support the council's objectives.
[PL 1997, c. 48, §2 (AMD).]
5. Staff support. The council shall contract with the Maine Development Foundation for staff support to fulfill the requirements for carrying out the purposes of this section.
[PL 1993, c. 410, Pt. MMM, §1 (NEW).]
6. Report. The council shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over housing and economic development matters. The council shall recommend its plan to the committee biennially at the beginning of each new Legislature, except that the first plan must be presented by January 1, 1995. The recommended plan must be used by the Economic Development and Business Assistance Coordinating Council as a guide to deliver economic development services.
[PL 1993, c. 725, §3 (AMD).]
