As we look at our visual structure and focus areas, I would invite us to all take a step back and consider the bigger picture of what we’re trying to achieve in the Katahdin region. 

Each of our focus areas – Outdoor Recreation, Livability, and Entrepreneurial/Economic Development – isn’t just a standalone initiative or focus. Instead, interconnected gears in a larger machine, working together to drive comprehensive, lasting change in our community. In correlation to systems change, we’re looking at transforming the underlying structures and support mechanisms that enhance the vibrancy of our region.. 

Consider how each focus area contributes to this larger goal:

• The goal of the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective isn’t just about creating trails or hosting programs, although that is integral. It is also about reimagining how our natural resources can become a progressive economic driver, how they can attract new residents, and how they can foster a deeper connection to place.

• The goal of Livability goes beyond just making our towns nice places to live. It’s about creating the conditions that will retain our current population, attract new residents, and support a thriving, vibrant and diverse community.

• The goal of Entrepreneurial and Economic Development isn’t simply about supporting individual businesses. It’s about cultivating an ecosystem where innovation can flourish, where local talent can find opportunities, and where our economy can diversify and become more resilient. Additionally, attracting businesses which will call our region home or a fabulous outpost.

When these areas work in harmony, they create a positive feedback loop. Better outdoor recreation opportunities enhance our livability, which attracts more people, including entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs create more economic opportunities, which improves services and regional offerings which potentially leads to more investment in our outdoor resources. And the cycle continues.

This systems approach means that progress in one area can catalyze changes across the entire region. I encourage you to keep this systems perspective in mind. How might a project in your focus area ripple out to affect the others? How can we design our initiatives to maximize these positive ripple effects? By thinking in this interconnected way, we have the potential to create true collaborative networks, pods and communities that  are truly transformative and lasting.