In the heart of Lewiston's city hall, a pivotal discussion unfolded as the City Council convened to explore a comprehensive economic development strategy aimed at revitalizing the community. The meeting, held on June 3, 2025, featured insights from Camoin Associates, a consulting firm that has spent the past year collaborating with city officials to craft a plan designed to attract investment, enhance housing, and stimulate economic activity.

Director of Economic and Community Development, Nate Libby, introduced the consultants, Jim Damesis and Alex Tranmer, who presented their findings and recommendations. Their report highlighted a critical moment for Lewiston, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to economic development that integrates housing, public safety, and business support.

The consultants shared that Lewiston is at a turning point, with a unique opportunity to leverage its youthful population and growing sectors such as manufacturing and transportation. Despite a 7% decline in overall employment over the past five years—largely attributed to the impacts of COVID-19—certain industries have shown resilience and growth. This presents a chance for the city to capitalize on its strengths while addressing significant challenges, particularly in workforce availability and public safety concerns.

Damesis underscored the importance of public safety as a cornerstone of economic development, noting that perceptions of safety directly influence business decisions and community morale. The report identified several obstacles, including a lack of workforce and lingering negative perceptions about the city. However, it also outlined actionable strategies to retain existing businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and attract new investments.

The strategy encompasses five key goals: retaining local businesses, strengthening entrepreneurial culture, investing in workforce development, attracting new investments, and building partnerships across the community. Each goal is accompanied by a detailed action plan, categorized by immediate, short-term, and long-term timelines, ensuring that the city can effectively implement the recommendations.

Council members expressed their eagerness to engage with the plan, with discussions about scheduling further meetings to delve deeper into the specifics. The collaborative spirit was palpable, as officials recognized the necessity of aligning city departments and fostering communication with stakeholders to drive progress.

As the meeting concluded, the council's commitment to revitalizing Lewiston was clear. With a roadmap in hand, the city stands poised to harness its potential, addressing challenges head-on while fostering a vibrant economic landscape for its residents. The next steps will involve digesting the report and integrating its recommendations into the city's ongoing efforts, ensuring that Lewiston not only survives but thrives in the years to come.