Craig's Projects prior to 2003

Maine Downtown Center - new vitality at the heart of Maine communities
Developed and managed this program from its start and secured political and financial support to sustain it. The Center serves as the state's resource center on downtown revitalization and assists Maine downtown communities by building local capacity and promoting the Main Street Approach. Tasks involve public presentations, staffing a statewide board, assisting Main Street organizations and managers, fundraising, conference planning, web development. Edited and presented Resource Team Reports for Bath, Saco, and Gardiner. Also authored the 2001 MDC Annual Report, a Case Statement for the Brunswick Downtown Association, and an op-ed piece published in the Portland Press Herald headlined Refocus Downtowns on Community. 2000-2002.

Maine Economic Growth Council - Measures of Growth: tracking progress year after year
Served as lead staff for this 19-member public-private Council appointed by the governor and legislative leaders. Researched and authored 7 editions of the Council's report Measures of Growth. The report is widely used by policy makers; published in hard copy and on the web. Managed stakeholder involvement, publicity, and legislative support. Authored and published a weekly newsletter on the Maine economy. Managed 6 annual surveys. 1996-2001, 2003.

Year 2000 Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care - recommendations for the Governor
Served as lead staff to this commission created by Governor King and chaired by Robert Woodbury with a mandate to research and explain escalating health care costs and develop recommendations for cost stabilization. Major work elements included managing stakeholder input, oversight of consultants and vendors, financial administration, research, report writing and publication, and managing commission meetings every two weeks for nine months. The Commission's final report was called The Cost of Health Care in Maine. 2000.

Specialized Facilitation - helping specific groups with specific issues
Maine Technology Institute - two, full day annual retreats, 2000 and 2002.
Maine Center for Economic Policy - full day annual retreat, 2001.
City of Portland Economic Development Department - development of a strategic plan, 2000.
Lewiston City Council - two-day overnight retreat to improve working relationships, 1999.

Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment - international cooperation
Performed research and developed policy recommendations for this council of state commissioners, provincial ministers, and business CEO's. Launched a community-based marine debris reduction program. Established two non-profit organizations for fundraising and helped community foundations establish a regional consortium. 1991-1996.

Community-based Planning - stakeholders and the public shape their own future
Kennebec Valley - A regional economic plan for Fairfield, Oakland, Waterville, Winslow, 2000
Freeport - A 10-point action plan to diversify Freeport's economy, 1998.

Click to view a list of current and recent projects.

Click to view a list of publications that Craig has authored or edited.