A place to build…
a place to belong.
Lewiston: a city
defying expectations.
Lewiston’s roots as a historic mill town are the foundation of a story that continues to evolve as our community grows and changes. Lewiston is an industrious, resilient community - and our economy is growing.
Why invest in Lewiston?
Strong Local Economy & Employment:
Lewiston’s diversified economy includes strong education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The City is focused on attracting housing development, manufacturers, logistics and transport companies, fintech and biotech industries, and data centers.
Revitalization & Growth:
Lewiston has seen substantial investments in revitalizing our downtown and mill areas, turning old industrial sites into attractive residential and commercial spaces. The City's ongoing efforts to redevelop and modernize infrastructure, alongside a pro-growth regulatory environment, offer strong incentives for development.
Incentives for Development:
The City’s streamlined planning approval process, robust use of tax increment financing and joint development agreements, and friendly, knowledgeable city staff are aligned for a favorable environment for developers to take on new projects.
Workforce Availability:
Lewiston has a highly educated workforce, thanks in part to the presence of Bates College, USM Lewiston-Auburn College, Central Maine Community College, Lewiston Regional Technical Center, public, private and charter schools, and a significant pool of skilled and multilingual workers from surrounding areas.
Quality of Life:
Lewiston offers a high quality of life with access to local and regional outdoor recreation, vast educational opportunities, an exciting arts and restaurant scene, and our diverse, welcoming community.
Growing Tourism:
Thanks to our historical significance, vibrant arts scene, proximity to the Androscoggin River and numerous recreational opportunities, Lewiston attracts families and visitors. Our year-round calendar of festivals and celebrations bring people from thousands of miles away, leading to increased investments in local hospitality and tourism-related infrastructure.
Affordable Real Estate:
Lewiston offers significantly lower property prices compared to larger urban areas in Maine and New England, especially for residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments.
Proximity to Larger Cities:
Located just 35 miles from Portland, Lewiston benefits from its proximity to a metropolitan area without the high costs associated with Portland, providing access to a larger labor market and amenities while still offering a quieter, more affordable environment.
Transportation & Connectivity
Lewiston is well-connected via roadways (Interstate 95, US Route 202, State Routes 196, 126, 26, and 4) and is close to the Auburn Lewiston Municipal Airport, Genesee & Wyoming rail line, and CSX rail line. Availability of transportation options and Lewiston’s location within 30 miles of half of Maine’s population make Lewiston an attractive hub for logistics, warehousing, and transportation companies.