The Working Communities Challenge (WCC) advances local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities in Maine’s rural towns, regions, and smaller cities. Launched in 2020, the initiative supports local teams working together to improve economic outcomes for all people in Maine’s towns, cities, and rural communities. This unique three-year grant competition is supported by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the State of Maine, national and local philanthropy, and private sector employers.

The city of Waterville submitted a letter of interest on December 1 to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and has since been formally invited to apply for a design grant application, which is due January 30, 2021. In conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s WCC, the initiative is a two-phase, 3.5-year grant opportunity to strengthen Maine’s rural towns, regions, and small cities.

Currently, the Waterville-based initiative is focusing on a project area along the Kennebec River encompassing the South End, Downtown, and the North End, and aims to capture recent growth and population trends to successfully transition our post-mill economy by focusing on collaborative housing initiatives, place-based economics, and driving connectivity between urban cores and residential neighborhoods.

This survey takes about 5 minutes and all responses are completely anonymous. Your responses will help the City of Waterville better understand where and how to focus economic and community development priorities that are related to WCC grant funding opportunities, which aim to contribute to creating a strong quality of life and sense of community pride in Waterville.