December 18, 2020
FCC announces results of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
On December 7th, the Federal Communications Commission announced the results of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which provides successful bidders with a monthly subsidy to help offset their costs of providing internet access in rural areas. 4 providers in Maine are set to receive $71 million in subsidies over 10 years that cover slightly more 27,000 locations. A map of the areas where bidders were successful can be found here. Consolidated Communications successfully bid on over 11,000 locations Pioneer Broadband successful bid on about 1,600 locations. Redzone successfully bid on…
December 15, 2020
A Few of Our Favorite Things: Artists and makers
Archipelago, more than a store—supporting Maine's creative economy
As part of our ongoing collaborative series with the Luke's Lobster, we're celebrating Maine's creative economy and some of the incredible work that our state's artists and makers create for…
December 9, 2020
Maine marine businesses save money, reduce carbon pollution
Clean energy solutions for the marine sector reduce costs and help the environment
What if I told you your marine business could shift electrical costs from ongoing operations to capital costs and, by doing so, could pay next to nothing for electricity within…
December 8, 2020
A Few of Our Favorite Things: Gifts inspired by the sea
As part of our new collaborative series with Luke's Lobster, we're continuing to highlight some of our favorite things about Maine. Maine's scenic coastline, harbors, and waters serve as a…
December 4, 2020
Maine Won’t Wait: Gearing up to implement Maine’s climate action plan
Bold and durable plan will accelerate climate-related efforts along the coast and across the state
While much of coastal Maine struggled with power outages and flooding as a powerful early winter storm unleashed strong winds and heavy rain—all on top of a global pandemic—leaders of…
December 2, 2020
How communities are helping to close the digital divide in Maine
Through a community-driven process, we can bring affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed internet access to everyone in Maine
The Island Institute’s mission and values are strongly rooted in the communities we serve. It is the priorities of these communities that power our work. This is why we believe…
December 1, 2020
A Few of Our Favorite Things: Giving Tuesday
In honor of the holiday season and in the spirit of giving, we’re collaborating with our friends at Luke’s Lobster on "A Few of Our Favorite Things," a series highlighting…
November 23, 2020
Commercial Currents: Four Ways to Find Community this Winter
It seems like there is a general unease as we head into another Maine winter. The days are getting colder and shorter, COVID cases are starting to rise again. Like…
November 13, 2020
Rapid COVID-19 testing available for island communities
State of Maine and partners work to ensure islands have adequate access to coronavirus testing
Since March, Maine’s island communities have faced a variety of logistical and other unique challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. But thanks to a new state effort to distribute…
October 30, 2020
A Personal Reflection on Learning to Face Race
Adapted from the opening remarks at the 2020 Island Teachers Conference
Twenty-five years ago, I made a conscious choice to avoid the issue of race. And because I am a white woman, living in a majority white community, I had the…
