City News Round Up: Friday, June 27, 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. The City Council unanimously approved the FY26 municipal budget at the June 23 City Council meeting, read a recap. The next City Council meeting is a special double meeting on Monday, July 14 at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

Ongoing Railroad Crossing Work to Impact Traffic for Several Weeks
Several upcoming street closures will impact traffic for multiple weeks as railroad crossing work is completed. The work is being conducted by CSX Transportation, the private railroad owner. The first round of repairs, on a one-way section of Congress Street between County Way and St. John Street, started on Thursday, June 26, and is expected to wrap up on Tuesday, July 1. The impact to Prospect St is expected between 6/28-7/1; Ashmont St between 6/28-7/2; and Lincoln St between 6/29-7/2. Read the full update.

Portland’s Fourth of July Fireworks Information 2025
The City will once again host a fireworks display for the Fourth of July this year on Friday, July 4, at the usual spot on the Eastern Promenade, with fireworks set to go off at approximately 9:15 PM. ⁠Fireworks will be launched from the East End Trail, and for the second year, Casco Bay Wind Symphony will perform starting at 7:00 PM until the beginning of the fireworks show. Food trucks will be available on the Eastern Prom Roadway.⁠ Find the full parking and road closure information.⁠ ⁠A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, July 5.⁠

The City would like to remind residents and visitors that Consumer fireworks are prohibited in Portland according to City Code and should not be brought to the Eastern Prom. Fines of at least $200 apply for individuals intending to use fireworks within the city.

Support Symphony Music at the July 4th Prom Concert
For the second year, Casco Bay Wind Symphony will perform at the City’s 4th of July celebration on the Eastern Promenade. 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. 

City Working on Efforts to Revitalize Monument Square & Congress Street
This summer, residents and visitors will see a cleaner, safer, and more activated Monument Square and adjacent Congress Street corridor thanks to efforts by the City of Portland and Portland Downtown. A new bike share station, the return of the arts market, seasonal outdoor seating, new downtown ambassadors, as well as increased safety measures, and tools to assist businesses and storefronts are all underway or coming soon. 

Renew or Apply - Residential Parking Permits
Residential parking permits that are valid July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 are now available online. Please visit the customer portal to renew or apply for a new permit. Be sure to renew now before your current permit expires on June 30, 2025. Visit our website for more information on the residential permit program. 

Island Residents - Purple City Trash Bags Required
Reminder: Purple "Pay-As-You-Throw" City trash bags are required for curbside pickup and transfer station drop-off. Bags can be purchased at Casco Bay Lines Terminal ticket window or at various locations around the City. NEW for summer visitors - trash bags are no longer available for purchase on Peaks Island, please plan accordingly. Find the full list of City trash bag vendors on our website, which includes local grocery stores. 

Meet Our May Employee of the Month - Oscar Gonzalez
Congratulations to our May Employee of the Month Oscar Gonzalez, a Human Services Counselor, Case Manager in our Health & Human Services Department. Oscar was recognized for his leadership, customer service, efficiency, thoughtfulness, positivity, and intelligence. Staff recognize Oscar for going out of his way, above and beyond, every day to help the people of Portland. Oscar’s job at General Assistance (GA) is high pressure with lots of stress, yet he exemplifies professionalism and maintains a positive and helpful attitude consistently with the many people he interacts with on a daily basis. Oscar’s ability to speak three languages allows him to communicate with efficiency and greatly reduces the language barrier for many of the clients he is assisting. Oscar is a role model and example that people are inspired to follow. It has been said that “shining is his baseline.” Oscar truly is an asset to the Health & Human Services Department and to the City. 

New Location: Cumberland County Registry of Deeds 
Beginning Monday, June 30, the Cumberland County Registry of Deeds will have a new mailing and physical address: 27 Northport Drive, Portland, ME 04103. Their phone number remains the same: 207-871-8389.  

Maine Philanthropy Center Announces New Grant Opportunity
The Maine Philanthropy Center will launch a new initiative on July 9 that will offer grants of $15,000 to meet the urgent and emerging needs of Maine’s nonprofit sector. Interested organizations can join an online info session on Tuesday, July 8, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The session will be recorded and posted on their website along with more information about the fund. Additional questions can be directed to responsefund@mainephilanthropy.org.

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!

New Loans Available for Storefront Upgrades in Downtown Portland
The City Council recently 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. Potential applicants may direct questions to Nancy Martin, Business Programs Manager: 207-756-8019 or nmartin@portlandmaine.gov.

Final Landcare Lunch Break Series
Join our Sustainability team on Tuesday, July 8 for the last Landcare Lunch Break Series! 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.

City-Sponsored Affordable Condos at Dougherty Commons 
Maine Cooperative Development Partners is proud to announce that applications opened June 18 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 are open through July 7, or until the first 200 applications are made. 

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.

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Updates

• Reiche Pool is NOW OPEN for summer fun! Join us for open swim sessions and splash into the cool water with friends and family. Find the schedule.
• Read all the latest updates in the JUNE 2025 newsletter or subscribe.
• Summer Session registration is open for residents and non-residents.
• Read about our sustainable solution for EAB-affected trees.
• 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.
• We’re hiring for seasonal positions now!

Public Works Updates

• Visit portlandmaine.gov/PublicWorks for links to all the most recent DPW project updates. See all paving updates here.
• Ongoing: Hersey St Sewer Separation Project + Deering Ave Sewer Extension
• Read a Back Cove South Update. Finishing touches are being applied now. The fields will not be open until next Spring to allow time for the grass to grow.
• 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.