We need your ideas about the future of
our region's transportation system
The news: We're hosting a Connect 2045 public workshop on May 19 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Greater Portland's long-range transportation plan will guide transportation investment and policies through 2045. The workshop is an opportunity for the public to get involved in the planning process and provide ideas.

Why this matters: The plan will set the tone and direction for how PACTS invests in the transportation system. We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the plan reflects the shared vision of the region and includes the best ideas for how to achieve it. To learn more, contact Senior Planner Rick Harbison at rharbison@gpcog.org. 

Last chance to register for the Annual Summit!
The news: If you plan to attend our Annual Summit on May 26, now is your last chance to register! We will be gathering under the tent on the beautiful campus of St. Joseph's College. This year's focus will be on providing an opportunity for everyone to see each other again – in person! - and talk about what we've accomplished together as a region and the challenges we face.

The General Assembly meeting begins at 1 p.m. The public events begin at 2 p.m. You are welcome to come and go as you please.

Keynote speaker Bill Nemitz will address what the disruption of the newspaper industry's business model means for communities in our region.

Our popular "What Works" segment will give community leaders a chance to share their one-minute tales from the pandemic. We'll also have networking breakout discussions. 

We’ll then gather in the Stone Barn from 5-7 p.m. for some local beer and live music. A three-piece instrumental band, Gary Richardson and the Municipal Cats, will provide a cool background vibe.

New data portal helps communities understand
intertidal ecosystems in Casco Bay
The news: In collaboration with the Casco Bay Regional Shellfish Working Group, we have have launched a Community Intertidal Data Portal.

The new portal will support planning and management in the Casco Bay region by making nearshore and intertidal data and information more accessible, supporting information exchange between communities and fostering a more nuanced understanding of this complex ecosystem.  

Why this matters: The data portal brings together existing and new intertidal data in dynamic and user-friendly applications to help those involved in planning, decision-making, or climate change adaptation in the intertidal zone, including the shellfish community, municipal committee members and staff, consultants and other coastal stakeholders. 

Learn to use the portal: The public is invited to attend a webinar on Wednesday, June 8 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. to learn how to use the data portal and apply it to address real-world challenges. Training sessions with municipal committees will be scheduled upon request.

Learn how collect field data with your smartphone
The news: The Casco Bay Coastal Academy is hosting a family-friendly workshop at Bug Light Park in South Portland on Tuesday, June 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The workshop will introduce participants to field data collection smartphone apps that support citizen science efforts. There will be pizza.

The news: Data from these apps can be used to help manage public parks and trails.
 
Celebrate Bike to Work Day at Congress Square
The news: Nearly a dozen organizations and businesses are teaming up to host a Bike to Work Day celebration in Congress Square this Friday May 20 from 8-10 a.m. The event will include bike mechanic demos, safe-cycling tips, safety gear giveaways, music, and free coffee, bagels, and donuts.

The organizations and businesses involved include: Portland Public Library, Friends of Congress Square Park, the Portland Gear Hub, Portland Bike Party, City of Portland Maine Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department, the Portland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, CyclingSavvy, and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Why this matters: The event aims to encourage people to bike to work and celebrate those who already do!
Maine Mobility Summit to focus on improving transportation access and equity
The news: Moving Maine Network is hosting a virtual two-day summit on June 7 and June 14. There will be presentations from the National Center for Mobility Management, the Shared Us Mobility Center, and Steve Workman from NH Move. The summit attendees will:
  • Gain strategies and tools for partnering to improve transportation access and equity.
  • Work with others to plan for enhancing mobility management networks at the regional level. 
  • Network with other Mainers who are passionate about transportation access - across geographic areas and types of initiatives. 

Who should attend: The summit is open to everyone who cares about better transportation access for Mainers with barriers.

If you have any questions, contact Zoe Miller at info@movingmaine.org.


Learn how to leverage funds to
create more complete streets
The news: Applications are now open for the third round of the Active People, Healthy Nation Champions Institute, an opportunity for local elected officials to gain the knowledge needed to effectively advocate for and support safer and more complete streets.

There will be a virtual Q&A on May 24 at 4:00 p.m. hosted by Smart Growth America’s Senior Policy Advisor, Hon. John Robert Smith, and Director of Thriving Communities, Rayla Bellis. The webinar will provide applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the Champions Institute and the application process.

Careers at GPCOG
The news: We're hiring a Planning Director, a Senior Planner and a Data Manager. Please help us get the word out! Information about job opportunities at GPCOG can be found here.
Maine Broadband Coalition seeks
new Executive Director

The Maine Broadband Coalition is seeking an Executive Director who has the passion for and dedication to bridging the digital divide in Maine through inclusion, adaption, and education. The Executive Director will continue the work and facilitate the Coalition’s continued growth. 
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Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
970 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 201
Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207-774-9891
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