Economic Development
Michael Burgess
Economic Development Director
207.817.7398
The Penobscot Nation guidelines for development include:
1. Healthy homes: Developing energy-efficient, safe, and affordable housing on the reservation.
2. Sustainable businesses: Encouraging investment in sustainable and culturally-relevant businesses, such as eco-tourism, agricultural enterprises, green energy production, and traditional craft products.
3. Strengthening infrastructure: Improving roads, water lines, public transportation, and other infrastructure services to support economic development and daily life on the reservation.
4. Boosting education: Increasing access to high-quality educational and training opportunities, including initiatives like early childhood education, college or career readiness programs, and adult education.
5. Investing in health: Developing health care systems that are accessible, culturally sensitive, and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for meeting the health care needs of the Penobscot Indian Nation.
6. Promoting culture: Investing in youth and elders’ programs that foster pride in the Penobscot culture and history. Such activities could include language revitalization, cultural preservation events, and traditional arts and crafts workshops.
Economic Development
The economic development department for the Penobscot Nation involves planning and focus on sustainable businesses and investments, strengthening infrastructure and transportation systems, investing in renewable energy sources, investing in programs and opportunities focused on job training and education, and providing access to resources and technical assistance to Penobscot entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the Penobscot Nation looks for ways to diversify its economic portfolio and create investment partnerships with organizations and entities to support businesses and programs that create jobs and foster economic growth.
Community Development
The Penobscot Indian Nation is continuing its effort to actively participate in community development in their homeland of the Penobscot River watershed. In addition to the community development points reviewed above, the Tribe is focusing on governance, health and wellness, and housing initiatives.
1. Improved governance: The Penobscot Indian Nation has established a government presence in their home communities and is actively engaging in tribal governance through elected officials, governance committees, and administrative services. They hold elections, create tribal regulations and are expanding services in the community to include a central office and health clinic.
2. Health and wellness: The Penobscot Indian Nation has implemented various wellness-promoting initiatives to improve the health of their community including health screenings, educational programming, and traditional healing.
3. Housing: The tribe has developed a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, multi-family housing and elder housing. They have also established programs to help purchase and repair existing homes, as well as assisting with making necessary upgrades.
Through these initiatives, the Penobscot Indian Nation is working to create a vibrant and sustainable community in their homeland, preserving their culture and traditions while also making sure that all members of their community have the opportunity to live healthy, productive lives.