Key takeaways
- Maine state government spent $13.1 billion in fiscal 2024, the 43rd most of any state.
- Statewide purchasing runs through the Division of Procurement Services, and vendors register and find bids in Vendor Self Service (VSS).
- The fiscal year starts July 1; the governor's FY2028-29 budget proposal usually comes in January; a newly elected governor has until early February.
- The 2027 legislative session convenes Dec. 2, 2026 and is scheduled to adjourn June 30.
- A new governor, Hannah Pingree, takes office Jan. 6, 2027.
Maine government at a glance
| Fact | Maine |
|---|---|
| State spending, FY 2024 | $13.1 billion (43rd of 50) |
| Fiscal year starts | July 1 |
| Next budget | FY2028-29 · proposal usually in January; a newly elected governor has until early February |
| 2027 legislative session | Dec. 2, 2026 to June 30 (211 days) |
| Governor-elect | Hannah Pingree, takes office Jan. 6, 2027 |
| Central procurement office | Division of Procurement Services |
| Bid and vendor portal | Vendor Self Service (VSS) |
| State CIO | Nicholas Marquis, Acting Chief Information Officer |
| Local governments | 828 total, including 227 special districts and 101 school districts |
| Public power and co-op utilities | 5 public power utilities and 2 electric co-ops |
| State prison population | 1,873 (end of 2023) |
How Maine buys
- Central purchasing. The Division of Procurement Services handles statewide contracts and purchasing rules for state agencies.
- Where bids are posted. Vendor Self Service (VSS) is where vendors register and find state solicitations.
- Registering as a vendor. Our Maine vendor registration guide walks through the steps, fees and documents.
- Agencies and local buyers. Many agencies, universities, cities, counties and school districts buy on their own or through cooperative contracts; see our cooperative purchasing guide.
Budget and legislative calendar
- Fiscal year. Maine's fiscal year starts July 1. The next budget covers FY2028-29.
- Governor's proposal. Usually released in January; a newly elected governor has until early February. Status as of Nov. 8, 2026: not yet released. Track it in our governor budget proposals tracker.
- 2027 session. Convenes Dec. 2, 2026 and is scheduled to adjourn June 30. Two-year legislature begins in December. See the 2027 legislative session calendar.
- New administration. Governor-elect Hannah Pingree takes office Jan. 6, 2027. New administrations often bring new agency leaders and priorities; see new governors in 2027.
Technology and AI
- State CIO. Nicholas Marquis, Acting Chief Information Officer, leads the Office of Information Technology. See the full state CIO directory.
- AI policy. Our tracker counts 1 executive order, no laws and 3 agency policies on government AI use, plus an AI office or council. See the state AI policy tracker.
- How IT buying works. See how state agencies buy technology.
Largest public buyers in Maine
The biggest Maine entities on our national rankings. Each one runs its own budget and, in most cases, its own purchasing.
| Buyer | Type | Size | National rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland International Jetport | Airport | 1,287,041 passengers boarded (2025) | 95 of 100 busiest |
Sources: KSG rankings of the largest cities, counties, school districts, public universities, transit agencies, airports, water utilities, public power utilities, police departments and other lists. Figures are from each list's source year.
Local government and utilities
- 828 local governments. That includes 227 special districts and 101 school districts. See special districts by state.
- Utilities. 5 public power utilities and 2 electric cooperatives serve 32,659 customers, 4% of the state. See Maine utilities.
- Budget cycles. Cities, counties and school districts set their own fiscal years; see city and county budget calendars.
Maine state holidays in 2027
Besides the 11 federal holidays, Maine state offices close on these days in 2027:
- Patriots' Day: Monday, April 19 (Maine, Massachusetts)
See the full 2027 federal and state holiday calendar.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We research Maine buyers, time outreach to state and local budget cycles and get you in front of the people who own the problem you solve. See how our state and local sales development works.
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