Economic Impact Studies
In 2008, Maine's Informed Growth Act became law. It requires any municipality in which a "large scale retail development"-meaning over 75,000 square feet-is proposed to conduct "a comprehensive economic impact study." Such a study must be conducted by a "qualified preparer" as determined by the State Planning Office (SPO). Planning Decisions, Inc. is the only Maine based consultant listed by the SPO as a "qualified consultant." So if you've got questions about an economic impact study-even if it isn't a 75,000 square foot retail development, give us a call.
What is the size of a development proposed for your area? What are its linkages to other sectors? What are its multiplier effects? How many jobs will it support? How much income will it produce? How much tax revenue does it generate for state and local governments?
These are the sorts of questions, PDI has answered for industries ranging from dairy and potatoes to youth camps and the biomedical research cluster. We gather published data, conduct interviews and surveys of industry participants and utilize our computerized models of New England states and counties to create accurate pictures of the strengths and weaknesses of an area's industrial sectors; their importance to the overall economy of the state and the impacts of various public policies on their future prospects.