"In 1987, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) was established to provide cabinet-level attention to the issues of economic and community development in Maine. DECD offers programs in the areas of business development, tourism and community development. These programs are designed to further the overall mission of DECD, which is to: Facilitate and coordinate the development of policies and programs for economic and community development, Work with municipalities as well as regional planning and economic development organizations to implement those programs, Encourage the creation and retention of quality jobs through increased private-sector involvement. "