Working regionally to implement local priorities
The Maine Association of Regional Councils (MARC) represents Maine’s regional councils and regional planning organizations. We provide a coordinated voice on statewide planning, community development, housing, transportation, climate resilience, and municipal support issues.
We exist to strengthen regional capacity, improve coordination among councils, and ensure regional perspectives are reflected in state and federal policy, funding programs, and implementation efforts. The association supports collaboration, information sharing, and consistent best practices across Maine’s regions.
Member Regional Councils
MARC’s membership includes Maine’s regional councils and councils of governments, which together serve every municipality in the state:
MARC’s membership includes Maine’s regional councils and councils of governments, which together serve every municipality in the state:
Member Regional Councils
Testimonials
"Often when we have a technical issue that we need some help with, we will call on GPCOG because of the staff’s high level of expertise. They’re often able to guide us through the issue without us having to hire a consultant or a staff person. Because the issues vary so much, we would have to hire numerous professionals to cover the areas of expertise we get assistances with. Because we don’t have to hire multiple experts, the dues we pay to GPCOG are minimal compared to the benefits we receive."
- Carmen E. Lone, member of the Bridgton Select Board
Greater Portland Council of Governments
Testimonials
"We appreciate your willingness, and that of AVCOG, to share the vast reservoir of knowledge inherent in your position, documents and data files. Being able to ask relevant questions of you and AVCOG, and not having to reinvent wheels independently, is so very helpful to us, and to all the small towns in our community."
-Leslie F.P. Boness, Hartford Appeals Board member
Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments
Testimonials
"The Isle au Haut Comprehensive Plan crew wanted to let you all know what a pleasure it was to work with you and have you in our community for the last several years!! Your professionalism and great attitude and friendliness were noticed by all. You are all welcome at any time for potlucks. Looking forward to seeing you again on the island."
-Dave and the Comp Plan Crew, Isle au Haut
Hancock County Planning Commission
Testimonials
"What excites us most about LCRPC's work is its ability to think and act at a regional scale - connecting municipalities, employers, and state and federal resources in ways individual organizations cannot do alone..."
- Valerie Young, Chief of Staff, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission
Testimonials
“Hearing about the grant from SMPDC for small businesses was a true blessing. The grant money we receive will be used to hire an assistant brewer/distribution manager to get our production and distribution where it needs to be for a sustainable future.”
Michael Gill, co-owner of River Junction Brewing in Sanford, on SMPDC’s economic recovery programs.
Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission