The Department of Economic and Community Development is established to encourage economic and community planning and development policies and programs of the State and to coordinate these programs and policies within the context of a state economic development plan and the long-term economic plan for the State developed pursuant to Title 10, section 929‑A, subsection 1. The department is also established to work with municipalities and regional planning and economic development organizations to build strong local and regional economies and to implement programs and services through these local and regional organizations.   [PL 2017, c. 264, §2 (AMD).]

The department shall encourage the creation and retention of quality jobs through increased private sector investment and to enhance the quality of life for all by assisting local governments to plan and implement comprehensive community planning and development strategies.   [PL 1987, c. 816, Pt. P, §6 (AMD).]