Innovators Gather at National Working Waterfront Network’s Conference

Posted July 29, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

The 6th biannual National Working Waterfront Network’s Conference kicked off in Boston this past week! As one of the event sponsors, the Island Institute was proud to attend and represent Maine and our work in this sector. This year’s theme, traditions and transitions explored the culture and history of the working waterfront as well as… Read more »

Energy Upgrade

Posted July 27, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog, Uncategorized.

The cost and reliability of energy is a real concern for communities across the country. With skyrocketing gas and oil prices and increasing disruptions from severe weather events as a result of climate change, the need for reliable, affordable, clean, and locally relevant energy is critical and growing. Through our work in Maine’s coastal and… Read more »

Island “Kelpventures”

Posted June 30, 2022 by Jack Sullivan & filed under Blog.

Kelp season seems to come all at once on the coast of Maine. In part due to the nature of the organism and its habitat, and in part due to the needs of kelp harvesters and processors, you can count on most farms being harvested within a couple of weeks in May and June.

World Oceans Day 2022

Posted June 8, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

On this World Oceans Day, we’re embracing the theme of Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. We, along with our friends at Luke’s Lobster, are spotlighting organizations—both ones we admire and ones we’ve partnered with—that are taking action for the ocean.

Federal Funds Could Mean More Sustainable Ferries

Posted April 27, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

Last fall, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill includes more than 1 billion dollars for ferries. For Maine, with 15 year-round, unbridged island communities, six of whom are served by the state ferry service, this program should make us pay attention. Access to these funds would help ensure the affordability and sustainability of these vital vessels.

Partnering for Climate Solutions

Posted April 5, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

The Island Institute was recently awarded a contract through the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) newly formed regional climate capacity initiative to support the islands of Monhegan, Chebeague, and Long in community-centered climate visioning processes. This exciting opportunity is the most recent example of our ongoing partnership with the state of Maine that aims to maximize local understanding, support, and ownership of climate action work plans.

Community, climate, and kelp

Posted April 1, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

Imagine it’s 2032. “Maine seafood” conjures up mouth-watering thoughts of lobster, oysters, and kelp. Waterways are cleaner, working waterfronts bustle with a diverse array of thriving businesses, and communities reap the benefits. You’ll find this vision for the future of Maine’s coast—one of social, ecological, and financial sustainability—in the Maine Aquaculture Hub’s 2022-2032 Roadmap. In… Read more »

Connecting communities and boosting local capacity

Posted March 31, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

The Island Institute has long recognized the power of statewide networks to support community development work in Maine’s small, rural, and resource constrained communities. In support of of our work helping coastal communities through the community-driven broadband process and ultimately to help make sure public funds can support these efforts, we help lead the Maine… Read more »

Maine broadband and bridging two authorities

Posted March 4, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

Wait a minute—there are two broadband authorities in Maine? Yes! And here’s how they’re working together to achieve high-speed internet access for all Mainers.

Legislative Update: Winter 2022

Posted January 31, 2022 by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.

As 2022 begins, much of our policy focus has shifted from making a case for why public funding is needed to supporting projects and communities in applying for the numerous new or enhanced funding opportunities. Over the next few months, we will be diving in deeply to help the communities we work with understand these… Read more »