Our region's priorities on housing |
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The news: The Legislature is considering ways to encourage the development of housing that everyone can afford. A state commission has made recommendations that would have a significant impact on local zoning regulations.
In response, the GPCOG Executive Committee expressed preferences for goals rather than mandates. The committee believes the state should provide financial incentives to communities as they reach benchmarks toward those goals. In addition, the state should provide technical assistance to help the communities reach those goals.
Why it matters: The state is experiencing a housing shortage for low-income and middle-income households, and we need to do more to increase the supply of housing that Maine families can afford. Our member communities are watching the legislative process closely. They support legislation that includes goal setting, flexible policy options, targeted incentives to reward progress, and state-funded support for changing local land-use rules to encourage more housing choice.
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Belinda Ray starts work as our
Director of Strategic Partnerships
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The news: Belinda Ray joined our team this month as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Belinda will be leading our grants and contracts development and working to connect municipalities and regional partners with federal resources, with a focus on shovel-ready and shovel-worthy projects. She will also develop, maintain and expand our strategic partnerships.
Welcome, Belinda!
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Public meeting to improve
public transit in southern Maine
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The news: We’re holding a virtual public meeting on Feb. 17 for the Transit Together study, which is developing recommendations to improve public transit in southern Maine.
Why it matters: The plan will recommend specific solutions to increase coordination among the region’s transit providers, improve the transit experience for current riders, attract new riders and make the transit system more efficient. The study is building on the needs identified in Transit Tomorrow and is coordinating with Connect 2045, the region’s long-range transportation plan.
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Opportunity to advance climate action planning in your community and access state grant funding |
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Why this matters: Once enrolled, communities will have access to grant awards up to $50,000 to complete actions that reduce emissions or build resilience to climate change.
GPCOG asks that the request come from a municipal government and that the government has identified a point of contact to coordinate the municipal activities needed to complete the program.
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Forum to highlight municipal leadership on development issues |
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The news: We’re hosting a forum on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. that will highlight municipal leadership on development issues. The online event features a dynamic lineup of national and local experts who have deployed zoning reforms, financial incentives and technical know-how to attract reinvestment in downtowns, commercial centers and neighborhoods. The City of Auburn, for example, is proposing to spend $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward incentive programs aimed at increasing Auburn's housing stock.
Who is it for? This event is for leaders and community builders who want to be bold: to learn tried-and-true strategies needed to navigate these complex issues and unprecedented times.
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Electric vehicle rebates available through
Efficiency Maine for business fleets
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The news: Efficiency Maine is launching new limited electric vehicle (EV) incentives for business fleets.
EV Rebates: The following instant rebates are now available for the first 50 cars and the first 50 vans on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Up to $8,000 for all-electric commercial vans for business use
- Up to $4,500 for electric cars and SUVs for businesses with 5 or more fleet vehicles
- Mail-in rebate for a Level 2 EV charger for businesses that receive a rebate on an electric vehicle
Review the benefits of the new Ford Electric 2022 E-Transit work van here.
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Learn about transit from another point of view |
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The news: GPCOG is recruiting decision-makers to participate in our "Ride With Me" event. This event is an amazing opportunity to ride public transit with one of your community members to learn about their daily public transportation challenges by experiencing them yourself!
Why it matters: The event will raise awareness in our region about transportation challenges and solutions.
When? "Ride With Me" will take place between March 21 – April 1, 2022. The timeline is flexible to accommodate rider and decision-maker schedules.
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Learn how to use the transportation system
with a Bus Ambassador!
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The news: Learn how to use the transportation system with a Bus Ambassador!
Who are they? Bus Ambassadors are trained volunteers who can help new riders learn about the public transportation system in their preferred language.
Why it matters: The Bus Ambassadors Program is designed to teach riders with language barriers how to use public transportation safely and independently.
Request a ride: Are you new to the Portland region, or do you have any questions or confusion around the public transportation system? To request a ride with a Bus Ambassador, send an email to busambassadors@gmail.com or call 207-835-1834.
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We're looking for new talent to help our region! |
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The news: We're looking for talented people who are committed to helping our region adapt and thrive in a world that is quickly changing. We have three open positions: Senior Planner, Community Engagement Manager and Operations Support Associate. If you know people who share our passion, please help us get the word out.
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Maine DEP seeks grant proposals for first
round of 2022 waste diversion projects
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The news: The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal.
Who should apply? All interested municipalities, regional associations, and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply.
Due dates: Questions on the RFP must be submitted by Jan. 28, 2022 and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:00 pm Feb. 11, 2022.
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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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