Join us at our Annual Summit on May 26 |
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The news: Join us at our Annual Summit on May 26 under the tent this year 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.
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 for some local beer and live music. A three-piece instrumental band, Gary Richardson and the Municipal Cats, will provide a cool background vibe.
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A Region in Crisis: Asylum Seeker Housing Update |
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The news: As the Press Herald reported on Thursday, the City of Portland can no longer guarantee that it will be able to assist asylum-seeking families coming to the region and presenting at the City’s Family Shelter.
Over four days this week, 31 new families (102 individuals) arrived at the City of Portland Family Shelter. As of Wednesday, May 4th, there were 349 families (1,196 individuals) being housed at the family shelter and in area hotels. These resources are now at full capacity.
The City is reaching out to the state to ask them for their urgent assistance. GPCOG continues its work toward finding solutions on behalf of its members as well.
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Workshops to focus on hazard
mitigation funding opportunities
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The news: We're hosting two joint workshops with the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, Maine Emergency Management Agency, and York County and Cumberland County to educate local officials about opportunities to win federal funding for projects that reduce hazard impacts and increase resilience to disasters and climate change.
Sign up for the free virtual workshops.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Register here.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities funding opportunity, Register here.
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We need your ideas about the future of
our region's transportation system
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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.
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Dispute holds up $8 million in
transit funding for the region
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The news: A funding disagreement between public transit agencies in our region has sidelined an $8 million federal relief package that would fund a nine-month, partial public bus fare holiday and service improvements.
The PACTS Policy Board on March 24 approved the spending plan. But several transit agencies that voted against the plan have not yet signed a letter required to release the money.
Why this matters: These new improvements seek to rebuild bus ridership by attracting new riders and improving the system for those who never left transit during the pandemic. The stand-off is delaying improvements to speed up service, improve bus stops, cut fares and boost frequency. The region voted to use available federal funds to try to boost ridership now, which will help reduce fare shortfalls in the future. GPCOG Executive Director Kristina Egan’s open letter to PACTS members says the dispute is a symptom of a larger problem: where seven agencies have “veto” power over the entire region’s transit funding.
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Work on rapid transit study begins |
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The news: The Gorham-Westbrook-Portland Rapid Transit Study is underway, with Regional Transportation Planner Ericka Amador as project manager and Nelson/Nygaard as project consultants. The team is now collecting data for the existing conditions report and forming an advisory committee. The Gorham Town Council on May 17 will hear a presentation about the study.
Why this matters: The study will evaluate rapid transit options in the Gorham-Westbrook-Portland corridor and help regional decision-makers reach a consensus about the best option when applying for federal funding.
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Do you use transit? We need your ideas! |
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The news: If you ride a bus, ferry, or train in the Greater Portland area, then we want your feedback! The Transit Together team has assessed every transit route in our region and identified strengths, weaknesses, and improvement opportunities.
Why this matters: The Transit Together study will identify opportunities for increased coordination and integration among the seven public transit providers in our region. Your feedback will help the team develop a plan that will improve the experience of current riders, attract new riders, and make the system more effective and efficient.
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Community Transportation Leaders
begin developing solutions
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The news: The Community Transportation Leaders presented their transportation concerns and ideas for solutions to the PACTS Executive Board and Regional Transit Advisory Committee earlier this year. The Community Transportation Leaders are now entering the implementation phase of the program, where they will work in groups to identify a plan for achieving the changes they want to see.
If you have opportunities for the CTL members’ to get involved or contribute to current or upcoming initiatives, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Kat Violette, kviolette@gpcog.org,
Why this matters: GPCOG has been working with 12 engaged participants who are learning about how to get involved with transportation planning and decision-making through the program. Piloted in 2019, the program is part of a larger effort by GPCOG to advance the inclusion of older adults, people with disabilities, young adults and people of color in decisions about transportation.
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Maine Mobility Summit to focus on improving transportation access and equity |
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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.
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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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