Catalyze. Strengthen. Guide.

MDF is a non-partisan, statewide driver of sustainable economic growth in Maine. We connect people, decision-makers, and communities through trusted research, leadership development, and creative partnerships to stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and improve the lives of all Mainers.


Maine Downtown Center Virtual Annual Awards and Celebration
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 8:30 – 10:00am
Please join us for the MDC’s Virtual Annual Awards and Celebration featuring keynote speaker Stacy Mitchell, Co-Director of the Institute for Local Self Reliance. She will share why independent small businesses are so important to Maine, our downtowns, local culture and sense of place. We will continue the tradition of honoring standout downtown projects and individuals with three awards.


Leading Through Uncertainty – Begins Jan 13th
MDF is here to help you meet the moment as you navigate the complexity of problem solving and decision making during increasingly uncertain times. Join peers from across Maine for this cohort-based program that meets regularly over seven months.
Wed., Jan. 13 – Thurs., June 10
Alumni and Member Discounts apply!
MDF President and CEO, Yellow Light Breen, and members of the Maine Economic Growth Council present the 2020 Measures of Growth Report.
Attend an MDF event
Policy Leaders Academy: Building Budget Consensus in Challenging Times
A three-part presentation on the Maine State Budget. This forum is for legislators only and is free of charge. Time is 8:00-9:30am via Zoom.
Women Transforming Leadership: Mozella Perry Ademiluyi
Event time is 9am-12pm (via zoom) Mountains are the perfect metaphor for life, representing the peaks and valleys, the summits and rigors of the journey. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet gave Mozella an EXTREME real-world experience of ‘failure and success’–and taught her how to help her clients tap the power and resources within themselves to overcome challenges and step up to empowered ACTION. As part of MDF’s Women Transforming Leadership, Mozella will introduce her Tackling Challenges model and we will apply it to a big challenge / opportunity for Maine. This event is open to all.
Read news about MDF
Updates and Resources from the Maine Downtown Center | December, 2020
Click here to access the MDC newsletter dated Friday, December 4, 2020. Our latest newsletter includes updates on the Maine…“MDF is a special creature of state law, enabled to integrate private sector thinking and experience with state government planning and data. There is no other entity like it.”
Kay Rand, Former Chief of Staff, Governor Angus King