Hancock Talks
Join us for Hancock Talks, HCPCs monthly virtual webinar on the first Friday of the month at 10 am.
HCPC Workshops
Building Permit Data Collection and LD 1184
- On February 11, 2026, our staff met with towns to review the statewide housing data collection project and LD 1184, which requires municipalities with over 4,000 residents to report data to the Housing Opportunity Program. Synthesizing this data can be helpful for municipalities of all sizes to understand housing development and trends in their communities.
- HCPC can provide support to summarize building permit data and participation in the statewide survey.
- We will review the survey form together and can answer any questions that you may have. For questions we cannot answer we can collect and forward those to the Housing Opportunity Program for review and response.
Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund
Held on January 28, 2026, our staff met with towns to review Maine DOTs notice of Funding for Maine’s Infrastructure Adaptation. They spent time talking about project proposals and the necessary steps to take in preparation for the grant application that will be available in March 2026.
Helping Municipalities Find Money for Culverts
Held on June 11th, 2024, this webinar shares information for more than five grants available in Maine to help towns address failing culverts and stream crossings. Three presenters explain their grant programs from FEMA/MEMA, Maine DOT, and the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program. In case you missed the workshop:
Digital Opportunities for Municipal Communications Panel
On Wednesday, March 20th 2024, the Hancock County Planning Commission hosted a panel on why digital engagement is important for municipalities and the opportunities it can provide. This event consisted of four panelists: Kate Dufour (Maine Municipal Association, Director of Advocacy & Communications), Kathleen Bell (UMaine, Professor of Economics), Ray Weintraub (Sullivan, Town Manager), and Matt Williams (Ellsworth, City Planner). The topics included the benefits and challenges of implementing digital communications, tips for getting started, and the implications for community and economic resilience. In case you missed the workshop:
Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding Workshop
On February 7th and 8th 2024, the Midcoast Council of Governments, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, and Hancock County Planning Commission partnered to host two two-hour workshops that included Congressional delegation staff members from the offices of Senator Collins, Senator King, Representative Pingree, and Representative Golden. These workshops discussed Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), Community Project Funding (CPF), and best practices for interested applicants. In case you missed the workshop:
The How of Housing: Affordable Housing Strategies for Rural, Coastal Maine
On Wednesday, January 17th 2024, the Hancock County Planning Commission hosted a workshop of panelists who discussed their housing success stories along the coast of Maine. Presenters included Mark Primaeu (The Genesis Fund), Marla O’Byrne (Island Housing Trust), Rick Rogers (Islesboro Affordable Property), and Alex Zipparo (Island Institute). In case you missed the workshop:
Municipal Uses of GIS
On Wednesday, November 29th 2023, the Hancock County Planning Commission hosted the third workshop of its “Striking a Balance” series. Amy Dowley from Beginning with Habitat presented on wildlife and conservation mapping for comprehensive planning. Tora Johnson from the University of Maine at Machias explained how municipalities can use GIS mapping for various purposes. In case you missed the workshop:
Ordinance Development
On Wednesday, October 18th 2023, the Hancock County Planning Commission hosted its second workshop to help municipalities with the various aspects of the planning process. This workshop consisted of three presentations. The topics included an overview of land use and zoning ordinances, implementing LD2003 into municipal ordinances, and the legal considerations for land use and zoning ordinances. In case you missed the workshop:
Comprehensive Planning
On Wednesday, September 20th 2023, the Hancock County Planning Commission hosted its first workshop of many aimed at helping municipalities with the comprehensive planning process. The workshop consisted of four presentations. The topics included creating a comprehensive plan consistent with the Growth Management Act, developing goals, objectives, and strategies, the public engagement process, and the implementation phase. In case you missed the workshop: