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About the Maine State Planning Office

The State Planning Office is part of the Executive Department that provides planning assistance, policy development, program management, and technical assistance to build a sustainable future for Maine's communities, businesses, and residents.

Created in 1968, the office provides independent analysis to the Governor and Legislature on the development of the state's economy and conservation of its natural resources.

The Maine State Planning Office

The Maine State Planning Office strives to integrate the development of the State’s economy with the conservation of its natural resources. This involves coordinating a long-range view of state policies; including the development of economic, natural resource, energy, land use, and fiscal and regulatory policy. The State Planning Office identifies and assists with issues of long-term significance to the State, particularly those that involve multiple agencies. The State Planning Office also provides a wide range of technical and financial assistance to Maine communities.


Our Mission:

To help build a sustainable future for Maine communities, businesses, and residents, the State Planning Office: 1) advises the Governor on developing and implementing policy; 2) assists the Legislature with information and analyses; and 3) provides local and regional financial and technical assistance.


Our Statutory Duties:
State law assigns four core duties to the State Planning Office that include:

  • Providing technical assistance to towns and regions;
  • Coordinating the development of the State's economy and energy resources with the conservation of its natural resources;
  • Conducting continuing economic analysis, including economic forecasting; and
  • Providing technical assistance to the Governor and Legislature by undertaking special studies and plans and preparing policy alternatives.

SPO Rules

Rule Chapters for the Maine State Planning Office.

The Legislature grants state agencies rule-making authority to implement or interpret laws administered by the agency or administer statutory duties that are intended to be judicially enforceable. Rule-making follows the process outlined in 5 MRSA, Chapter 375, the Maine Administrative Procedures Act. Persons interested in being placed on a list to receive notice of SPO rule-making may email Linda LaPlante or call 207-287-6077.


For more specific information on:

Maine State Planning Office logo
Location: 184 State St. Augusta
Phone: 1-800-662-4545 or (207) 287-6077
Fax: (207) 287-6489
Mailing Address: 38 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0038