Economic & Community Development

The City of Old Town takes pride in its progressive and forward-thinking approach to economic development. Over the past several decades, Old Town has earned a reputation as a thriving hub for business, vibrant community events, and strong public–private partnerships.

Our mission moving forward is to build on that momentum by providing exceptional support to both existing and prospective businesses while creating meaningful, lasting opportunities for community engagement. Through strategic collaboration and thoughtful growth, we are committed to strengthening Old Town’s economic vitality and enhancing quality of life for all who live, work, and invest here.

City Comprehensive Plan 2026 - Coming soon!

State of Maine 2020-2029 Economic Development Strategy

• Maine Economic Development Strategy 2024 Reset.pdf

The services we can directly and indirectly provide are as follows:

• Available Commercial Properties
• Business Licensing & Permitting
• Eastern Maine Development Corporation
• FAME
• Maine Development Foundation
• Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
• Maine Office of Business Development
• Maine Office of Tourism
• Revolving Loan Fund
• Maine | SCORE
• Small Business Administration
• Tax Increment Financing
• Workforce Development

Business Networking Events 2026 - TBD

Business Resource Guide

• 2024-Small-Business-Resource-Guide.pdf - Everything you will need to start or expand your business all in one location
  

Grant Opportunities - Ongoing

• The County Federal Credit Union
• REAP Program - USDA
• Northern Forest Center
• Northern Region Border Commission
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

For assistance in applying for a permit to host an event in Old Town, please go to City Clerk - City of Old Town, ME

• As of 4/21/2026, we request that all new, and existing vendor agreements, need to be signed and approved before attending or setting up events located in the City of Old Town.
• Please return a signed copy with payment to Laura Engstrom at LEngstrom@old-town.org for approval.

Down Town Old Town (DTOT) <-- Learn More

Main Street Village - Pop Up Shops

Modeled after the 300 Market Block in Tionesta, PA, the Main Street Market Village allows for small business and local artisans the ability to enter into the downtown market without a huge financial investment. Brick and mortar space in any downtown can be expensive. This model allows each business to focus on product and/or service development before eventual moving to a larger and more permanent space.

• You can download a lease application Main Street Village Lease Agreement 2026.pdf
• Please return signed copy with payment to Amy Collinsworth: acollinsworth@old-town.org.

*Currently at max capacity - if you would like to join the waitlist, please reach out to the Downtown coordinator.

Community Gardens

It's that time of year to start thinking about planting and gardening, and the Old Town Community Garden is once again offering beds for rent.  Located in a sunny location, behind the Public Safety Building, the Old Town Community Garden has 4' X 8' X 10" beds available for local gardeners.  

• If you'd like to rent a bed, pick up an application at City Hall, or you can download one here:
  • Community Garden Membership Agreement 2026.pdf
• Completed applications and fees are to be submitted at City Hall.  Once you've completed your application and paid the fee, you will be given a bed assignment for the upcoming year.
• You can send your application to: registrations@old-town.org

The Penobscot County Commissioners are the County's chief elected officials and are ultimately responsible for the fiscal operations and policy decisions affecting the County of Penobscot's government.  They have authority over all County offices, including elected and appointed officials.  They are also responsible for preparing and monitoring the County budget (although the final decision of the budget is performed by a Budget Committee process), the County's tax assessment, and various appeals and hearings.  ​ Each Commissioner is elected by the voters from within their respective district.  The County of Penobscot has three districts,s and each Commissioner serves a term of four years.

District 3's Commissioner is David Marshall.

If you would like to speak to Mr. Marshall, please contact Amy to schedule a meeting.