Hallowell has a welcoming community and an active participatory government with numerous committees that encourage citizen engagement and advise City Council on issues of livability, sustainability, and community health. Specifically issues of transportation, housing, participation on City committees, and communication have been topics of recent planning and implementation. The City has worked to expand its communications network and to identify the community’s strength in social service and health resources, as well as to promote local commerce and focus on a responsive local government