September 10, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Ellsworth Aligns Key Departments Under New Office of Community Development
As Ellsworth continues to experience steady growth, the City is taking another step toward ensuring that growth is thoughtful, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of residents and businesses.
The City of Ellsworth has established the Office of Community Development, bringing together the City’s Economic Development, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Assessing departments under one leadership team.
While the organizational structure is evolving, residents will continue to interact with the same departments they know today. The Planning Department, Code Enforcement, Assessing Department, and Economic Development Office will retain their existing responsibilities and public points of contact. The Office of Community Development serves as a leadership umbrella, helping these teams work more closely together while maintaining the services residents rely on.
The four departments are now located together on the main level of Ellsworth City Hall. Residents and visitors can enter through the front doors of City Hall, turn left, and continue through the glass doors to reach the Office of Community Development.
Twila Fisher will serve as Director of Community Development, overseeing the four departments as they collaborate on projects that support Ellsworth’s future.
“As Ellsworth continues to grow, it’s more important than ever that our departments work together toward a shared vision,” said City Manager Charlie Pearce. “I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration that has already taken place to bring this team together. This approach allows us to better coordinate projects, support responsible growth, and continue providing the high level of service our residents expect. The future is bright for Ellsworth.”
For Fisher, the new structure reflects the way community development naturally happens.
“Economic development doesn’t happen in isolation,” Fisher said. “Planning, code enforcement, assessing, and economic development all play an important role in shaping our community. Bringing these teams together creates opportunities for stronger collaboration, better communication, and better service. I’m excited to work alongside such talented professionals as we continue supporting thoughtful, responsible growth in The Friendly City.”
Code Enforcement Officer Robert Grant said the new approach recognizes the value of teamwork.
“These departments work together every day, so bringing them together under one leadership team simply makes sense,” Grant said. “I’m excited about what this means for the future and the opportunity to continue working closely with such a dedicated group of people who all care deeply about serving Ellsworth.”
The City is also recognizing the important role of its partnership with Municipal Consulting Group of Maine (MCG), whose work alongside the Assessing Department has helped strengthen operations while building a strong foundation for the future. According to MCG, the partnership has improved departmental coordination, modernized processes, and supported the City’s commitment to long-term success. The collaboration also contributed to completing the earliest tax commitment in six years, more than 175 building permit inspections, and management of more than $22 million in new taxable value.
The creation of the Office of Community Development reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful planning, responsible growth, and collaboration as Ellsworth continues to evolve while remaining true to its identity as The Friendly City.
