The Town of Gorham’s Department of Community Development has taken the first of many steps toward a new comprehensive plan by releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the creation of a strategic plan for economic development in the community.
The Department created, and the Town Council approved at their March 12 meeting, a steering committee, whose first task is to review the proposals received in response to the RFP, and then propose to the Town Council which firm should be awarded the months-long project of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information into an actionable plan for Gorham.
The nine-person steering committee consists of a diverse and representative group of resident stakeholders, and includes members of the Gorham Village Alliance, the Gorham Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), the planning board, the town council, as well as Gorham business owners. David Willis, Willis Real Estate/ Gorham Village Alliance; Nancy Ames, Sullivan House Bakery; Tim Haines, Sebago Brewing Company; Joe Capozza, Capozza Floor Covering Center; David Walsh, Planning Board; Lou Simms and Phil Gagnon, Town Council; Todd Chase and Dan Nichols, GEDC, have all agreed to lend their expertise to the process, and to ensure that a viable and strong economic development plan is created. All the committee members are Gorham residents.
After their inaugural meeting March 28, Steering Committee member David Willis shared his initial thoughts of the committee and their task. “From my perspective this is an exciting committee to be a part of !,” He added, “As Gorham continues to face challenges with rising property taxes, it’s never been more important to have a well thought out plan in place for economic development. My hope is this work will provide a playbook for our town to continue to drive our business sector growth in a smart and strategic way.”
Kevin Jensen, Gorham Economic Development director, is facilitating the process with the steering committee. “We feel we have assembled an all-star group of highly talented and well-respected people to represent the community throughout this process,” said Jensen. “I look forward to their invaluable insights and stewardship, and I’m confident the plan will serve as an important resource as work begins on updating the Town’s comprehensive plan.”
Funding for an economic development strategic plan was included as part of Gorham’s FY24 municipal budget, which was approved by the Town Council in May 2023. A total of $70,000 has been allocated to hire a firm that will be responsible for conducting a market analysis and local asset assessment, along with creating a list of recommendations for implementation through an action plan.
According to the RFP that was released in Fall 2023, “The Plan will identify key drivers and emerging issues facing Gorham’s economy and serve as a playbook with actionable items and policies for Town staff, elected officials, and community leaders. The goal is to establish a benchmark of findings and data from which a plan to create and maintain a strong, vibrant local economy can be formed and implemented.”
Seven proposals from firms with national experience were received in response to the RFP. The Steering Committee has begun their review and rating of the proposals and will meet with finalists in the coming weeks to then recommend the firm best suited to serve Gorham’s needs.
Jensen says the process will include public engagement at several points along the way and is specifically included as an expectation in the RFP. A final document will also be presented and will need to be approved by the Town Council.