View Freeport’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan (PDF)

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is:

• A community’s shared vision for the future.
• A roadmap for community land use policies and municipal investments for the next 10-12 years.
• Guidance for town staff, elected officials, and volunteers as they prioritize projects, develop initiatives, and update ordinances.
• It is comprised of two primary components:
  • Forward-looking section that outlines priority goals, actions, and the future land use plan 
  • Inventory chapters that take stock of key trends and current conditions

The 2025 Comprehensive Plan Vision

Freeport envisions a future where its coastal beauty, historic character, rural landscapes, and recreational assets are conserved by concentrating growth in the Downtown Village and along portions of Route 1. By concentrating growth in targeted areas, Freeport can support a thriving downtown—featuring a mix of homes, businesses, and public spaces—while protecting rural landscapes, open lands, and natural resources.

This balanced approach allows for necessary development alongside conservation, supports living, working, and aging in place, and creates a vibrant hub for culture and the arts. The town remains committed to environmental stewardship, preparing for and responding to environmental challenges brought by a changing climate through investments in resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Thoughtful planning meets the needs of Freeport residents, business owners, and visitors alike, strengthens the local economy, and safeguards Freeport’s distinct character and the values that define Freeport – including equity, responsible stewardship of resources, and strong community connections.

Comprehensive Plan Timeline

• December 2023 - The Planning Board started its work.
• April 2024 to July 2024 - Survey work to inform the new Comprehensive Plan.
• June 2024 to March 2025 - Five public workshops were held to give community members the opportunity to provide their input on the future comprehensive plan.
• March 2025 - The first draft of the plan was posted for public review and comment at the end of the month.
• April 2025 - The first draft of the Freeport 2025 Comprehensive Plan was reviewed by the Planning Board on April 2nd and the Town Council on April 15th.
• May 2025 - The Comprehensive Plan was found to be consistent with Maine’s Growth Management Act.
• July 2025 - The draft was reviewed again by the Planning Board, with consideration to State and Public Comments, and the final draft was posted for public review and further comment.
• August 2025 - The Planning Board reviewed the plan a final time at a public hearing, and recommended it to the Town Council for adoption.
• September 2025 - The plan was adopted by Town Council at its September 16th meeting.