Comprehensive Plan
Gardiner Is Moving Forward
Gardiner is embarking on an exciting effort to create a new Comprehensive Plan—an aspirational guidebook that helps us imagine the Gardiner we want to see 10–12 years from now, and creates a roadmap for how we can get there.
This plan will help identify where we want to go, what steps it will take to get there, what those steps may cost, and who will help keep us on track, on time, and on budget.
Most importantly, this plan is about Gardiner’s future—and we want YOU to be part of shaping it!
Join us for a series of community workshops, conversations, and family-friendly events from September 15–19 (see more info below). There will be opportunities for everyone to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the future of our community.
Want to learn more? Read our blog posts about the process. Check back regularly as information will be added often!
Welcome to Gardiner 2036!
We can't do it without YOU!!
A comprehensive plan is a community’s shared vision for the future — typically looking 10 to 12 years ahead — paired with a practical roadmap for achieving that vision. It identifies priorities, actions, costs, timelines, and responsibilities so the community can make informed, fiscally responsible decisions about its future.
Gardiner’s plan will address the issues that shape daily life and long-term prosperity, including land use, housing, economic development, transportation, public works, outdoor recreation, natural resources, and municipal finances. Most importantly, the plan will reflect the ideas and priorities of Gardiner residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners.
Building on Past Planning
Gardiner’s most recent comprehensive plan was completed in 2014. It identified priorities such as downtown investment, development along the Brunswick Avenue corridor, implementation of the Cobbossee Corridor Master Plan, expanded infill housing, improved walking and biking infrastructure, and strengthening Gardiner’s family-friendly identity.
The 2014 plan helped guide significant progress, including downtown housing and mixed-use redevelopment, new affordable and workforce housing, the renovation of Johnson Hall, improvements to Waterfront Park, and efforts that helped reverse population decline and attract new residents and investment.
Gardiner has also completed other important planning efforts, including the 2012 Comprehensive Plan and Community Heart & Soul Project(PDF, 12MB)
, Heart of Gardiner Downtown Master Plan(PDF, 14MB)
, and 2026 Flooding Impacts & Community Risk Assessment(PDF, 38MB)
. These efforts provide valuable information and recommendations that will help inform the new comprehensive plan rather than duplicate work already completed.
What Will Happen This Time?
The 2036 planning process will begin by updating data from the 2014 plan and examining current economic, population, land-use, and regional trends. Community input will then help identify what is working, what needs attention, and what Gardiner should strive to achieve over the next decade.
A major milestone will be the five-day Gardiner Comprehensive Plan Charette, September 15–19, 2026. Residents, business owners, service providers, nonprofit organizations, municipal officials, and other community stakeholders will participate in meetings, open houses, and roundtable discussions.
Together, participants will identify “big ideas” that reflect community priorities. Those ideas will then be translated into a prioritized action plan identifying what needs to happen, when it should happen, what it will cost, and who will be responsible.
Following the charette, the planning team will develop a draft plan incorporating community input, updated data, maps, financial projections, priorities, and action steps. The draft will be presented to the public for review and comment. Public feedback will help shape the final plan before it undergoes state review for compliance with Maine requirements.
A Living Plan for Gardiner
Once adopted, the Comprehensive Plan will serve as a living document rather than a plan that sits on a shelf. City leaders and community members can regularly evaluate progress, adjust priorities, and respond to changing needs and opportunities throughout the coming decade.
How Can You Get Involved?
Your participation matters. The first major opportunity to participate will be the September 15–19 Charette. Attend a public session, join a roundtable discussion, visit an open house, and share your ideas about Gardiner’s future.
You can also stay involved by attending City Council and Comprehensive Plan Review Committee meetings, volunteering for city committees, and talking with neighbors about the community’s future.
Gardiner’s future is a community effort — and your voice can help shape it.
Stay tuned for updates, upcoming events, planning milestones, and information about how to participate.
Welcome to Gardiner 2036!