City of Portland Alerts

City News Round Up: Friday, January 20, 2023

1/20/2023 - 2:56 PM

Please check our agenda center for the full schedule of upcoming Committees, Boards, and Commission meetings. Read a recap of the City Council’s January 18 meeting. To view agendas, backup materials, and videos from past meetings, please visit www.portlandmaine.gov/agendas

Parking Ban Tonight
A Citywide Parking Ban has been declared for tonight, Friday, January 20, starting at 10:00 PM, through 6:00 AM Saturday, January 21. Vehicles left on City streets after 10:00 PM can be towed at the owner’s expense. Read the full details and learn about parking options. Have plans in the downtown district tonight? Don't forget the staggered snow removal and towing times within the yellow zone.


Riverside Recycling will be closed today, Friday 1/20/23, due to the snowstorm, and re-open on Saturday for their normal hours of operation: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  

City Manager Job Posting and Community Feedback Survey 
Today the City, and its search firm consultant, Baker Tilly, issued the job posting and recruitment brochure for its search for the next City Manager in Portland. Baker Tilly has also developed a survey to gather critical feedback from City staff and community members. Those interested in contributing to this can take the survey here. 

1/25: Mayor’s Monthly Zoom
Join Mayor Kate Snyder for her monthly Zoom chat on Wednesday, January, 25 at 5:00 PM. This open Q&A format is an opportunity for residents to learn more about recent updates and discuss any issues.⁠ See the full list of Winter/Spring 2023 dates via portlandmaine.gov/mayor

Portland Teens: Apply for Portland Youth Corps
Portland Youth Corps (PYC) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Spring & Summer sessions! PYC is a fun, challenging, and rewarding outdoor volunteer service program open to teens, age 14-18, who reside within the City of Portland, or who attend school within the City of Portland. Apply here!

2/1: Public Meeting, Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project
The second public meeting for the Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project will take place Wednesday, February 1 at Bunker Brewing (17 Westfield Street). Co-hosted by MaineDOT and the City, the meeting is an opportunity for the public to review progress on the project and provide input. Browse meeting exhibits at the Open House from 5:30 to 6:15 PM; the Public Meeting will begin at 6:30 PM. 

Feedback Wanted! Arts & Cultural Audiences Survey
Have you attended a concert, cultural event, art opening or theatrical production in Portland recently? Please click here and take a few minutes to answer quick questions about connected expenses, including: dining, parking, overnight costs, and more. Answers are completely anonymous. This Americans for the Arts national study will help us understand the economic impact of the arts in Portland. 

City Staff Donate to Maine Needs
Thank you to our Department of Public Works staff who coordinated Giving Trees throughout their office at the close of 2022 in support of Maine Needs. In early January the group dropped off the collected donations and had a tour of the impressive work of the organization and volunteers. Volunteer, donate, or learn more about the organization here.

Portland Parks Conservancy Awarded $2 Million in Omnibus Funding
As part of the federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Package, Portland Parks Conservancy will receive $2,145,000 in support of the Portland Harbor Common Open Space project, a public open space on the harbor at the base of India Street. Read the full story here, or learn more about the project and see supporting documents on the City's website.

Join Our Team! New Positions Open
Come make a difference with us! Learn more about two new jobs recently posted: Deputy City Clerk, and Tax Assessor. We have multiple job openings across a variety of departments including the Parking Division, Treasury Office, Health & Human Services, Parks and more. View the full list of openings here

Read Portland's Community Health Improvement Plan
Last week our Public Health Division shared the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for the city - a three-year collaborative plan that defines actions to target efforts that promote health in Portland. Read the full story here. The plan guides activities of our public health network to address the most important issues facing the community. Get to know our new director of Public Health in this Portland Press Herald story.
 

Property Tax Stabilization Program
Letters have been mailed for those who have applied to the property tax stabilization program and qualify, or need to submit their ID. Please direct questions to the Assessor's Office: assessors@portlandmaine.gov, or 207-874-8486.
 

Registering a Long-Term Rental Property? Be aware of new late fees
Voters passed new late fees for any rental units not registered on time as part of the annual long-term rental registration ordinance. If you haven’t registered by January 15, a $50 per unit late fee will apply, in addition to the rental registration fees. If you have not registered by February 15, a $200 per unit late fee will apply, in addition to the rental registration fees. 

Reminder:  Long Term Rental License holders can renew their licenses on the City’s Citizen Self Service (CSS) Online portal. Applicants will need to register a CSS account if they have not already. If your licenses are not appearing in ‘View My Licenses’, please email your name and the address of the building you are trying to register to BLCSS@portlandmaine.gov
 

Treecycling! January 1-31
There’s still time to Treecycle your tree! City crews will then turn it into mulch and compost. Visit our website for all the details about the 3 drop-off locations around Portland. Please make sure all ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc have been removed from the tree. DPW crews will also be collecting trees curbside for the month of January.
 

Parks and Recreation Updates
Don’t miss this great Portland Press Herald story featuring Jeff Tarling: Portland’s city arborist reflects on 34 years of service.

DPW Paving Updates and Ongoing Construction Projects


Please visit portlandmaine.gov/PublicWorks for information links to all the most recent DPW project updates.

12/21: Sewer System Survey, Maple Street Area
A survey of the  Maple Street area sewer system began 12/21 for approximately 6 weeks. There will be little to no traffic impact. Read the full details here.

Survey Started 1/16: Belmont Street and Forest Avenue
Sporadic traffic impacts may occur during this work; read the full details here.