BELFAST – The Friends of Midcoast Maine has invited local planning board members and comprehensive plan committee members and interested residents from towns in Knox and Waldo counties to a planning information session at the Boathouse at Steamboat Landing.

The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19. The ongoing program is offered free of charge, and refreshments will be provided.

Guest speaker Mike Miller from the Maine State Housing Authority will discuss the new affordable housing tax incremental financing program.

The Friends of Midcoast Maine is teaming up with the Georges River Land Trust and other organizations to provide free assistance to towns working on their comprehensive plans and to provide a forum for neighboring communities to meet and discuss planning issues of interest to all.

The program offers staff assistance in resource protection, comprehensive plans, ordinance review and writing and other tools that can assist area towns.

The meetings also offer committee members an opportunity to meet with people from neighboring towns to discuss common planning problems and opportunities.

Issues to be discussed include the planning process, improving public participation, tools for land preservation, conservation and smart growth, examples of successes in other towns, work force housing, conservation subdivisions, farmland preservation, and preserving small-town character.

Those interested are asked to register with Jane Lafleur, Friends of Midcoast Maine executive director at 236-1077 or e-mail at jblafleur@friendsmidcoast.org.