AGP Executive Report

Data Center Fight: Ohio’s bid to ban most new data centers won’t reach the 2026 ballot; organizers say they’ll regroup for 2027 after missing a July 1 signature deadline. Maine Housing & Deals: Bangor home sales show continued churn, with 10 properties changing hands May 31–June 6 and one sale topping $677,500. Main Street Commercial Real Estate: Coastal Maine listings highlight historic mixed-use buildings—from Bucksport’s former newspaper site to Castine’s 1765 commercial property with apartments. Offshore Wind Shakeup: The Trump administration agreed to pay Invenergy about $765M to end four offshore wind leases, including tracts off New Jersey and Maine, as projects face cost and supply-chain hurdles. Northern Maine Power Planning: Maine’s PUC is moving again on renewable procurement for Aroostook County, but transmission limits remain the big barrier to getting wind power onto the broader grid. Food Safety: Walmart pulled Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs in 26 states after an FDA-flagged issue tied to packaging contamination.

Offshore Wind Shake-Up: The Trump administration is paying Invenergy about $765M to voluntarily terminate four offshore wind leases off New Jersey, Maine and California, a move that underscores how hard it’s been to pencil out new projects amid costs and supply-chain strain. Northern Maine Power Grid: The Maine Public Utilities Commission is running another renewable energy RFP for Aroostook County wind, but the big hurdle remains transmission—northern Maine’s grid is tied to New Brunswick, not the rest of Maine and New England. Marine Economy & Education: Bar Harbor’s Oceanarium and Education Center hosted the Maine Ocean Festival, spotlighting Gulf of Maine habitat, a lobster hatchery and hands-on learning. Community Giving After Tragedy: A Gloucester fishing-crew tragedy has already generated $1M+ through the F/V Lily Jean Fund, with donations pouring in from banks, manufacturers and fishing communities across Maine and beyond. Local Business & Tourism: Biddeford’s La Kermesse Franco-American Festival returned for its 43rd year, drawing vendors, music and a parade celebrating the city’s French heritage. Health Care Investment: LMH Health is moving ahead with a heart center renovation aimed at expanding cardiac capacity as demand grows.

Special Education Policy Fight: A Senate panel is weighing a July vote that would block the Trump administration from shifting core federal special education functions to HHS under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising alarms among disability advocates even as officials say student protections won’t change. Health Care Infrastructure: LMH Health is planning a Heart Center renovation aimed at keeping cardiac services “beating as one,” citing growing demand as heart disease and heart failure continue to drive hospitalizations. Maine Politics (Ranked-Choice Results): Maine’s ranked-choice gubernatorial primaries set up a general-election faceoff between Hannah Pingree and Bobby Charles after tabulations eliminated other candidates. Local Business & Growth: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President effective July 1, expanding leadership across HUB Northeast and HUB New England, including Maine. Maine Housing/Development: Tiny Homes of Maine has closed abruptly after 10 years, with Hancock Lumber discontinuing the tiny homes on wheels product line as of May 2026. Data Centers Backlash: States are increasingly pushing back on data center expansion over power, water, and utility-cost concerns, adding pressure on regulators and developers.

Maine Medicaid Watch: New data show Westbrook providers billed $25.44M in 2024 for “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” services, up 2.3% from 2023, while Bangor’s orthotic procedures jumped to $820,277 (+127.8%) and Waterville’s coronavirus diagnostic panel rose to $11,017 (+126.9%). Local Governance: Damariscotta voters approved a $4.90M municipal budget at town meeting, with public safety and animal control funding adjusted from select board recommendations. Housing & Development: Tiny Homes of Maine, a Windham-based builder and policy driver, shut down abruptly after 10 years, with Hancock Lumber discontinuing the tiny homes-on-wheels line as of May 2026. Labor & Economy: A WVU study with University of Maine research links support for rural women entrepreneurs to broader wage-and-salary employment growth. Energy & Industry: States are increasingly pushing back on data centers amid rising power and water demands, with Maine among those feeling the pressure as the national backlash grows.

Maine Politics: Hannah Pingree and Bobby Charles won their ranked-choice gubernatorial primaries and will face off in November, with independent Sen. Rick Bennett also in the race. U.S. House: State Auditor Matt Dunlap captured the Democratic nomination for Maine’s 2nd District in a ranked-choice runoff and will take on former Gov. Paul LePage. Workforce & Retail: Ocean State Job Lot will hold hiring events in St. Johnsbury, with about 40 openings for part-time seasonal roles. Public Health & Safety: Maine regulators approved new restrictions on some toxic rat poisons, aiming to better protect wildlife from anticoagulant rodenticides. Business & Downtown: Sip Lab is moving into the former Margaritas space in Orono, with permits already approved for renovations and a new “day tea, night sip” concept. Data Privacy: KerberRose Wealth Management disclosed a data breach affecting about 27,000 people, including clients in Maine. Community Giving: The Portland Sea Dogs raised money for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund during a June 19 fundraiser night.

Maine Politics: Hannah Pingree won the Democratic nomination for governor after Maine’s ranked-choice tabulations, setting up a November matchup with Republican Bobby Charles (and independent Rick Bennett). Elections Administration: The Maine Secretary of State’s office finalized ranked-choice results for the June 9 primaries, including the CD2 Democratic nomination of Matt Dunlap after multiple rounds of vote redistribution. Marine Economy: Maine is creating a new state entity to promote the marine economy—the Maine Center for the Blue Economy—aimed at turning the state’s “clean ocean” brand into jobs and investment. Energy & Industry: Offshore wind continues to roil the region as the Trump administration moves to buy out additional leases, while Maine’s business community watches what it means for power costs and development. Local Business & Community: Herring Gut Coastal Science Center added Claire Parsons and Melissa Waterman to its Advisory Council. Health & Workforce: HealthReach welcomed Dr. Virginia Leone to its Strong Area Health Center. Food & Tourism: The Good Table in Cape Elizabeth says it will reopen soon after a winter break, and Wiscasset Art Walk returns June 25 with free gallery and music stops. Jobs: Ocean State Job Lot will hold hiring events in St. Johnsbury, VT, for part-time and seasonal roles.

Maine Politics: Hannah Pingree and Bobby Charles won their ranked-choice primaries and will face off for governor in November, with Pingree emerging from a tight Democratic field and Charles taking the Republican nod after multiple rounds. U.S. House: In the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Matt Dunlap won the nomination and will face former Gov. Paul LePage in the fall. Economic Development: Rockland, Vinalhaven and Matinicus Plantation are among 19 Maine recipients sharing $16.2M from the Northern Border Regional Commission for projects ranging from port resilience to workforce and housing. Public Safety & Local Government: Camden set a June 23 special meeting to discuss its police chief search and possible interim management while Town Manager Audra Caler is on medical leave. Business & Jobs: Ocean State Job Lot will hold hiring events in St. Johnsbury, VT, signaling continued retail staffing needs in the region. Tech & Energy Backdrop: A new report flags how data-center growth is colliding with local opposition, while Maine’s EV policy scorecard places the state near the top tier. Community Spotlight: The Colonial Theatre will host a free “Recovery in Maine” documentary screening series on June 30.

Tiny Homes shake-up: Tiny Homes of Maine, a Windham-based tiny home builder that helped drive Maine’s tiny-home legal framework, shut down “indefinitely” after Hancock Lumber bought it—Hancock says it discontinued its tiny homes on wheels line as of May 2026. Energy & grid: The Maine PUC is investigating Casco Bay Lines fare increases, after islanders warned the hikes will create “rate shock” for low-income riders and seniors. Offshore wind fallout: The Trump administration will pay Invenergy $765M to terminate four offshore wind leases off New York, California and Maine, with the company shifting toward natural gas and Western geothermal. Hiring: Ocean State Job Lot will hold hiring events in St. Johnsbury, VT next week for about 40 openings across several roles. Local business closures: Bark & Bevy in Enfield, N.H. closed permanently after a short run, citing sales pressure after Mother’s Day. Policy watch: A bipartisan bill would fully ban paraquat nationwide, citing Parkinson’s disease links. Housing pressure: New reporting highlights Maine’s tight inventory and fast home-price growth, leaving many Mainers stuck at every life stage.

Offshore Wind Shake-Up: The Trump administration will pay Invenergy $765M to cancel four early-stage offshore wind leases, including projects off Maine and California, as Interior says the money will be redirected to faster-to-build natural gas and geothermal. PUC & Island Transit: Maine’s PUC opened an investigation into Casco Bay Lines’ proposed 2026 fare increases after island residents raised affordability and notice concerns; rates weren’t suspended but could be changed or rolled back. Housing Reuse in Brunswick: Developers Collaborative is holding a ribbon-cutting for Brunswick’s former Central Fire Station at 21 Town Hall Place, now Moderation Brewing plus five affordable studio apartments. Orrington Trash Plant Fire: A major fire at Eagle Point Energy Center, tied to Orrington’s embattled trash incinerator restart plans, adds uncertainty to reopening and threatens millions in taxpayer-related payments. Cybersecurity Scare: Maine disabled its VRChat/Discord breach portal after fake filings triggered panic; VRChat says there’s no proof its systems were compromised. Workforce & Local Business: Ocean State Job Lot is running hiring events in Vermont with about 40 openings across roles. Health Access: MDI Health launched a mammogram screening scholarship program funded by a $80K, two-year grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Offshore Wind Policy: The Trump administration struck a $765M deal with Invenergy to terminate four offshore wind leases, including one in the Gulf of Maine, with Interior saying the money will be redirected to natural gas and geothermal projects. Local Economic Development: Southern Aroostook Development Corp. won a $1M Northern Border grant (with $800K in matching funds) to build a new forest-products manufacturing facility at the Houlton Industrial Park, aiming to boost output and jobs. Retail & Jobs: Ocean State Job Lot plans hiring events in St. Johnsbury, Vt., with about 40 openings across part-time seasonal roles. Amazon Expansion in Central Maine: Sidney’s Planning Board approved its portion of a proposed 159,000-square-foot Amazon distribution center on the Waterville-Sidney line, while residents weigh a possible moratorium petition. Dairy Industry Restructuring: DFA will close its St. Albans farm store and idle its milk processing plant Aug. 17, affecting 80 employees. Public Safety & Enforcement: Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agents seized about $30K in illegal drugs and firearms in a Hancock County investigation, arresting three people. Business Growth & Tech: CardSight AI says Magic: The Gathering identification is now live on its trading card API, expanding its card-recognition lineup. Government & Accountability: Penobscot County Commissioner David Marshall was elected chair, as the county faces a budget gap tied to jail costs.

Northern Border funding: Maine is set to receive more than $16 million for economic development, with awards aimed at infrastructure, workforce development, housing, childcare, and transportation access. Public safety & drugs: The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency wrapped up a Hancock investigation with three arrests tied to cocaine base, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and four guns. Local development pressure: Sidney residents have petitioned for a moratorium on large-scale projects after Amazon’s approval advanced in Waterville-area plans, though officials say an already-approved project can’t easily be paused. Data center uncertainty: Jay’s former Androscoggin Mill data center plan is on hold after Sentinel Data Centers withdrew, leaving hundreds of jobs expected to vanish. Community impact: The Maine Mariners, Evergreen Credit Union, and Verrill Law raised $11,000+ to fight food insecurity through “Goals for Food.” Business hiring: Ocean State Job Lot will hold hiring events in St. Johnsbury, VT, for about 40 openings across several roles. Sports business: Quincy’s sports complex planning adds a sports management firm but loses its original site after property owners backed out.

Rural Maine Funding: Gov. Mills announced $15.9M in Northern Border Regional Commission grants for 17 rural Maine projects, targeting economic development, workforce housing, childcare expansion, and infrastructure. Community Solar: RooflessSolar is expanding access to Maine community solar with a 20% guaranteed discount on CMP and Versant bill credits, pitching savings that stay fixed as rates rise. Energy Policy: Maine AG Brown scored a win against Trump’s wind-energy permitting freeze, with a First Circuit ruling dismissing the administration’s appeal. Local Housing Rules: Brunswick adopted an ordinance limiting mobile home park rent hikes, creating a rent review board and setting a September start date for the new limits. Local Business Moves: Dick’s Sporting Goods is planning two Maine upgrades—relocating in Augusta and opening a “House of Sport” experience in South Portland as the Mall Plaza shuts down. Workforce & Education: UMaine is launching new doctoral nursing programs (Ph.D. Nursing and DNP Family Nursing Practice) starting 2027, backed by a Collins-directed federal award. Public Safety: Maine DEA seized drugs and firearms in a Hancock raid, charging John Crawford with aggravated trafficking and others with related offenses. Maine Politics: A new poll shows Susan Collins trailing Graham Platner by just two points, underscoring a tightening Senate race.

Maine Lumber Mill Tragedy: A second firefighter, Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, died from injuries after the May 15 Robbins Lumber fire and silo explosion; investigators say the blast was tied to combustible dust and an ignition at the silo base. Childcare Crunch: Maine lawmakers highlighted progress on childcare affordability, including clearing a near-900-child waitlist for subsidized care and lowering co-pays, as the state still faces center closures and high infant-care costs. Utility Costs: Central Maine Power is seeking a rate increase that would largely erase expiring storm-related savings, adding about $216 a year for the average household, with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows calling the situation urgent. Housing Migration: Maine continues to attract more residents than it loses, with 2024-25 gains pointing to a growing demand pressure in an already tight housing market. Politics & Business Climate: The Maine GOP’s gubernatorial primary is heading into ranked-choice counting, while spending in the Susan Collins vs. Graham Platner Senate fight is projected near $384 million—an expensive signal for Maine’s ad market. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I risk after potential Salmonella contamination, affecting sales in 41 states. Retail Restructuring: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, underscoring continued retail stress.

School Governance: RSU 63 voters in Holden, Eddington and Clifton will decide in November whether to close Eddington Elementary, a move projected to save about $669,950 and consolidate students into two buildings, with a proposed closure date of July 1, 2027. Capital Projects: Fort Kent schools cleared the way for health and safety upgrades after voters approved about $1.18 million in state-backed funding through the School Revolving Renovation Fund, with districts repaying 30% over 10 years. Food & Workforce: At a national school food summit, Old Orchard Beach’s food director shared how Maine districts are pushing local seafood to kids—down to teaching students to try unfamiliar species like monkfish. Privacy Policy: Hawaiʻi’s consumer protection office joined a coalition of AGs opposing a federal SECURE Data Act that critics say would cap stronger state privacy laws. Maine Economy & Business: A UMaine study finds consumers would pay a premium for lobster caught with ropeless gear, especially when animal-welfare messaging is used—amid ongoing fleet opposition. Public Safety: A second firefighter died from injuries after the May 15 Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont; the investigation remains ongoing. Local Development: Sidney residents are collecting signatures to potentially pause an Amazon distribution center plan via a town vote and temporary moratorium. Food Recall: Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states, including Maine, faces a highest-risk FDA recall over possible Salmonella contamination.

Rockland Public Safety: Divers recovered the body of missing 59-year-old Timothy Payson from Chickawaukie Lake around 10:20 p.m. Sunday, about 14 hours after he was reported missing; authorities say a small Zodiac-style boat with a dog was found circling, and the search used sonar-equipped watercraft and a warden dive team. Maine Politics & Money: A new AdImpact projection puts Maine’s Susan Collins–Graham Platner Senate race ad spending near $384M (nearly $500M total for the cycle), with more than $150M booked through Election Day. Local Fire & Industry: Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury died at Maine Medical Center weeks after injuries from the Robbins Lumber explosion and fire; investigators previously pointed to ignition of suspended particulate material after a fire started near a silo unloader. Health & Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states due to possible Salmonella contamination. Elder Care: Maine’s elder abuse essay contest winner was recognized for highlighting the “silent epidemic” and solutions to protect older Mainers.

Robbins Lumber tragedy: Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, died at Maine Medical Center weeks after injuries from the May 15 mill fire and explosion that killed Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, as the State Fire Marshal’s investigation continues. Education funding: RSU 40 voters approved a $24.9 million capital improvement bond for Medomak Valley High School upgrades, including fixes tied to arsenic in water, asbestos, aging heating, ADA accessibility gaps, and ventilation. Food safety: FDA classified a voluntary recall of more than 900 cases of Alfredo sauce as Class I after potential salmonella risk tied to a dry milk powder ingredient, with distribution reported across 41 states. Local business shakeup: Oola Bowls closed both Maine locations—Westbrook and Portland—after late-2025 openings, with Google listings and ordering/app access indicating shutdowns. Data center pushback: A new report says anti–data center groups blocked or delayed about $130 billion in projects in Q1 2026, with Maine among states facing heightened regulatory uncertainty. Community & culture: Waterfall Arts in Belfast announced “Press Play,” a group exhibition running June 26–Aug. 29.