Small Rural Town Revitalization in Maine: Test Pilot of the SEED Model

Abstract

The Sustainable Ecosystem Economic Development (SEED) model is a methodology designed to facilitate revitalization in small towns and rural communities. During the 2023–2024 academic year, our team of faculty advisors and students served as project champions to implement a pilot test of this model, leveraging the unique expertise and resources of relevant stakeholders to support a small town in rural Maine. The approach included communication and relationship-building with the town manager and stakeholders, a knowledge summit to discern needs and capabilities, an iterative process of resource-needs mapping, and providing deliverables based on the town’s requirements with sustainable practices.