Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is a non-partisan nonprofit that cultivates thriving, sustainable communities and strengthens local governments by leading planning and economic development for 39 member towns in Southern Maine. The purpose of SMPDC is to strengthen local municipal self-government while combining total resources for meeting regional challenges beyond individual capacities; to serve as a mutual forum to identify, study, and bring into focus regional challenges and opportunities; provide organizational support to enable communication and coordination among governments and agencies concerned with regional issues and opportunities; to act as an advocate where membership directs; and to exercise such powers as the member municipalities may delegate.