A. Targeting economic development funds through incentives, funding criteria and other means to assist in renovating buildings in these communities so that the buildings may be used for state facilities and other businesses; and

B. Providing outreach and active technical assistance to communities that have state offices or facilities that service clients to attract state facility development and other downtown business opportunities.

The Department of Economic and Community Development shall work with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the Department of Transportation, the Maine State Housing Authority, the Finance Authority of Maine and other state agencies in developing this state policy; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date. Resolved: That by January 15, 2000, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall submit a report with its proposed policy along with any implementing legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development. The Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development may report out any legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature concerning findings and recommendations of the department.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Economic and Community Development to develop a state policy that gives preference to downtown areas for the location of state facilities and avoids contributing to urban sprawl. The policy must incorporate a proactive strategy to promote investment in communities that have state offices or facilities that service clients including targeting economic funds to assist in renovating buildings for potential use for state facilities and providing outreach and technical assistance to communities that have state offices or facilities that service clients to attract state facilities or other businesses to downtown areas. The Department of Economic and Community Development is to work with other state agencies in developing this policy including the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the