City News Round Up: Friday, June 13, 2025
 

Meetings & Agendas

Please check our agenda center for the full schedule of upcoming Committees, Boards, and Commission meetings, and to view agendas, backup materials, and videos from past meetings. Read a recap of the June 2 City Council meeting. The next City Council meeting is Monday, June 23.

Upcoming Closures

Portland City Hall and city offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance and recognition of Juneteenth. There is no change to trash/recycling collection.

Traffic Alert:  Two Downtown Rallies Permitted for Sat, June 14

Please be advised that on Saturday, June 14 there are two permitted rallies scheduled for Monument Square from 11AM - 12PM and Lincoln Park from 12PM - 1:30PM. While there are no street closures planned at this time, Police will be monitoring crowds and may close streets if necessary. Expect additional traffic and pedestrians in this area.

June 10 Election Results

The election results from the June 10, 2025 election are now available.

Council Committee to Consider Opportunity to Create Childcare Center

On Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30 PM, the City Council's Housing & Economic Development Committee (HEDC) is scheduled to consider an opportunity that seeks to address the shortage of childcare centers in the area. The City is encouraging members of the public to attend the remote meeting and share feedback. The proposal seeks to lease an underused building on the Barron Center campus (known as BC2, located at 1125 Brighton Ave) to a licensed child care center provider. Read the full details and learn how to submit public comment.

Portland Relaunches Two Successful Social Services Programs

We’re proud to announce the return of two successful social services programs it runs that assist the clients it works with. The Helping Individuals Regain Employment (HIRE) program and the Portland Opportunity Crew (POC) both work to empower General Assistance (GA) and shelter clients, enhance the Portland community, and foster good neighbors. Read the full story. Donations to support the Opportunity Crew are always welcome!

Pride Portland Parade Set for Saturday, June 21

City staff and officials will be marching in the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 21, and we hope to see you there! Visit www.prideportland.org for the full details. Please note: METRO bus routes will be detoured around the parade route and there are a number of street closures that will be in place, including Congress Street, High Street, and Park Avenue. Don’t forget to visit the Pride Festival in Deering Oaks Park after the parade.

Community Design Workshops Announced for Reimagining Franklin Street 

The City will host two community design workshops for the Reimagining Franklin Street project from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM on Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26, at the downtown Main Branch of the Portland Library, in the Rines Auditorium (5 Monument Square). Read the full details. 

Support Casco Bay Wind Symphony’s July 4th Concert

For the second year, Casco Bay Wind Symphony will perform at the City’s 4th of July celebration. The musicians volunteer their time, and the ensemble is calling on the community to help raise money to cover the cost of essential lighting and sound equipment for the event. Learn more and donate.
 

New Loans Available for Storefront Upgrades in Downtown Portland

At the Monday, 6/2 City Council meeting, the Council approved the Portland Development Corporation’s recommendation to create a new interest-free loan product designed to support investment in storefronts located in Downtown Portland. Interest-free loans of up to $20,000 are available to property owners and leaseholders in the Downtown TOD TIF District to finance upgrades to existing commercial properties with visible storefronts. View the map and read the full update.
 

New Healthy Homes Smoke-Free Incentive Program

Our Public Health Division has launched the Healthy Homes Smoke-Free Incentive Program, a new initiative designed to help landlords and rental property owners implement smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing. This limited-time program, funded by the Maine Prevention Network, offers significant benefits for both property owners and tenants by promoting healthier living environments and reducing property costs. Visit the program application to learn more!  

Upcoming Sustainability Events

Join our Sustainability team for their Landcare Lunch Break Series on June 25 and July 8. Find the full details and register here.
 

Portland Celebrates 46th Year as a Tree City USA 

Parks Director Alex Marshall and City Arborist Mark Reiland proudly represented Portland at the Maine Forest Service's annual Arbor Week Celebration in late May to accept the Tree City USA certificate, a testament to Portland's dedication to sustainable tree management. This is the 46th consecutive year we have earned the Tree City USA designation, highlighting our ongoing commitment to a healthy and vibrant urban forest.

First Annual East Bayside Trail Fest

Support Portland Trails and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine at this first annual, one-of-a-kind event in the heart of the East Bayside neighborhood on Sunday, June 22. A collaboration between nonprofit organizations and local businesses, the East Bayside Trail Fest consists of three events: the Trail to Ale 10K, the Bayside Ride, and the Trail Mix Two-Miler. The events will be staggered throughout the morning and culminate in a community celebration on Diamond Street.
 

City-Sponsored Affordable Condos at Dougherty Commons 

Maine Cooperative Development Partners is proud to announce that applications will open June 18, 2025, for 20 new affordable condominium homes at Dougherty Commons, located at 57 & 65 Dougherty Court in Portland, Maine. This high-quality housing opportunity offers energy-efficient, zero energy ready homes at prices accessible to working Mainers earning up to 100% of Area Median Income. Applications will be open through July 7, or until the first 200 applications are made. 

UPDATED Request For Proposals - Additional Funding, Affordable Housing

The City and Cumberland County HOME Consortium has received $2,041,266.00 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan to address homelessness and housing instability. These HOME-ARP funds will support the development of affordable rental housing for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We’re excited to announce an updated Request for Proposals for projects that will create safe, stable, and affordable homes for those who need them most. We invite developers, nonprofits, and other eligible applicants to apply! Visit our HOME-ARP website to learn more.

Great Progress on Portland's New Outdoor Community Pool!

The Portland Parks Conservancy's campaign to help build a replacement for the Kiwanis Pool crossed the $1 million mark earlier this month! Less than $160,000 remains to reach the finish line. Learn more and donate here. A groundbreaking event was held on June 5 to mark the milestone. The new pool is expected to open next June!

Revaluation Notices Distributed to Portland Property Owners

Our Assessor's Office has distributed revaluation notices to property owners. Property owners can review their new values online. 

New property values will be used for the Fiscal Year 2026 tax bills, expected in early September. Please note that the tax/mill rate will likely be adjusted downward due to the overall increase in taxable value. The revaluation does not generate additional revenue for the City; it redistributes the tax burden based on current property values. The tax levy will not be set until the City Council approves the FY26 budget at its June 23 meeting.

New Pine Tree License Plates Replace Chickadee Plate

As of May 1, the new Pine Tree/ No-Tree plates are being distributed. Chickadee plates will no longer be issued. Plate exchanges with the NEW design will occur during your normal registration time frame. You do not need to come in before your registration is due. If you have questions, please visit the Secretary of State’s website or email them at platereserve.bmv@maine.gov. 

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Updates

• Summer Session Registration began 6/9 for residents, and 6/16 for non-residents.
• New Parks Youth Mentoring Program Thanks to Grant Funding 
• Payson Park Courts: New SmartAccess System Started June 2
• Read about our sustainable solution for EAB-affected trees.
• Party in the Park on June 18: The Parks Commission is holding the annual community gathering, Party in the Park, on June 18 at Payson Park from 4:30-6:00 PM. There will be music, food trucks, and a variety of activities for community members. Several community groups will have tables to share information with attendees, and we’d be happy to host interested park Friends Groups. Please email Commissioner Donna Gartland at donnagartland@gmail.com.

• Read all the latest updates in their MAY 2025 newsletter or subscribe. We’re hiring for seasonal positions now! 

• Sundays on the Boulevard:  now through September 28, Baxter Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays only, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and OPEN for walkers, bikers, pedestrian traffic, and play! 

• Dive into Summer Savings! Get ready for some serious fun under the sun without breaking the bank! Our 2025 Summer Discount Ticket Program is here to help you save on your favorite local attractions.

Public Works Updates

• Visit portlandmaine.gov/PublicWorks for links to all the most recent DPW project updates. See all paving updates here.
• Hersey St Sewer Separation Project, Clifton St. Road Closure Starts Tuesday, 5/27         
• Deering Ave Sewer Extension, 5/20-5/30, Pitt Street Closure
• Read a Back Cove South Update.
• Survey Time: GPCOG Road Safety Improvement Projects: The Greater Portland Council of Governments is launching a series of low-cost demonstration road safety improvement projects in key areas identified through the Vision Zero Greater Portland action plan and needs your input. Take their survey! The project will include temporary installations that aim to improve pedestrian crossing safety, limit unsafe maneuvers, and reduce vehicle speeds in key high-risk areas. 

We’re Hiring!
We are hiring across several departments in the city, with a variety of open positions: healthcare roles (RNs/CNAs), trades workers, before and after school recreation counselors, lifeguards, 911 dispatchers, community health workers, and
more. Recently posted: Senior Accountant, Certified Code Enforcement Officer/Housing Safety, Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher). Come make a difference with us, our wellness benefits are award winning.