Episode 2 of Potholes & Politics offers listeners an overview of the Maine Municipal Association, our services, governance structures, and plans for enhanced support of municipalities as they face unprecedented challenges. Featured in this episode are staff voices from around the office, including the Legal, Education, Risk Management, and Administrative departments. This episode will be good to revisit for new listeners who may want to understand the function and purpose of MMA, and the many services available to our nearly 500 member municipalities. Listen Here

Maine Public Health Association (MPHA), in collaboration with Maine Area Health Education Centers (Maine AHEC), Maine Public Health Training Center, and Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN), is conducting a survey to develop a better understanding of the public health workforce in Maine, how the current landscape is impacting public health staff and volunteers and their work, and the future of the state's public health workforce. Findings will be used to inform education, training, support, and advocacy efforts.

The Aviation program at the University of Maine at Augusta is hosting 10 events throughout Maine this summer to educate Mainers about Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft.

MMA Legal Services has issued a summary of “LD 290,” formally known as PL 2021, c. 751, “An Act To Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years.” The law creates a new property tax relief option for Maine residents 65 years and older by allowing eligible taxpayers to “stabilize,” or freeze, the amount they are billed in property taxes on a qualifying homestead. Although the law goes into effect on August 8, 2022, it will first apply only to property tax bills for taxes assessed as of April 1, 2023 and committed during calendar year 2023.

Each year, member municipalities have an opportunity to vote on the election of the proposed Maine Municipal Association Vice President and municipal officials to serve on the MMA Executive Committee. A five-member Nominating Committee was appointed to review nominations submitted by municipal officials and conduct interviews with those municipal officials interested in serving as the MMA Vice President and Executive Committee. The MMA Nominating Committee completed its task in May and put forth a Proposed Slate of Nominees to member municipalities. It is now time for each member municipality to cast its official vote.

Today marks the launch of MMA’s 2021 Local Government Finance Survey. The fiscal survey is one of our most important annual fact-finding efforts as the results inform the work of numerous departments. Participation in MMA’s survey also satisfies your municipality’s obligation to provide fiscal data to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Earlier this year, Governor Mills signed into law legislation entitled An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions (PL 2021, c. 672). Aiming to increase the availability of affordable housing units in Maine, the legislation enacts several provisions that will preempt inconsistent local land use regulations relating to single family, multi-family and accessory dwelling units. The legislation goes into effect on August 8, 2022, although most provisions that impact municipal land use regulations will not take effect until July 1, 2023. MMA Legal Services has prepared a brief summary of the law’s core requirements.

The Aroostook County Board of County Commissioners have approved a total of $2,157,808 in federal American Rescue Plan grant applications for a total of 15 organizations and municipalities in Aroostook County. Last fall, the Commissioner’s announced the County ARPA program and approved the hiring of Steve Pelletier as the ARPA Program Administrator. The grant awards made this week are the first round of funds made available to municipal governments and eligible non-profits in Aroostook County.

Registration is now open for a five-week professional development program, Grant Writing Essentials, through the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. The fee for this online, instructor-led program is $895. Need-based scholarships are available. Sessions are 9 a.m.–noon on five consecutive Fridays, Jul. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5, 2022.

Exciting news for Governor Mills’ upcoming Climate Conference, White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy will be the keynote speaker during a day packed with useful tools, resources, and how-to case studies for communities across Maine. The full agenda is now available.

In the morning, communities already taking action will share practical tips and insights for everything from getting started with climate planning, making climate-ready investments, reducing emissions and saving costs through efficiency in buildings and transportation, and more.

The afternoon will feature a series of practical action sessions from state and federal agencies, community leaders, and organizations, offering resources to help you get started with climate action in your community.

In May, the Public Health Systems Division of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) rolled out its new online Local Health Officer Reporting and Information System (LHORIS).  LHORIS provides municipalities with the ability to change Local Health Officer (LHO) information online and replaces the “pen and paper” method of LHO updates and annual reporting.

The Nature Conservancy is seeking initial proposals for a round of competitive grants from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) for the restoration and protection of aquatic resources and significant wildlife habitat in Maine.  An estimated $3.8 million will be available for award in 2022.

The Maine Municipal Association is currently accepting nominations for its Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award. Does your municipality have a municipal volunteer or employee who has demonstrated the capability and willingness to “Hold the Community Together”, has selfless concern for people, has longevity of conscientious service, and is dedicated to the cause of good local government?   MMA is interested in having the opportunity to share in your municipality’s recognition of this special individual. Please complete the Nomination Form along with letters of support and send to MMA by Friday, August 19.

On June 7 at noon, the University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service will host a one-hour webinar exploring the future of municipal management.  Featured speakers will include Kendra Amaral, Kittery Town Manager and Courtney O’Donnell, Bangor Assistant City Manager.   The session is being held in collaboration with the Maine Town, City and County Management Association and MMA.   

Efficiency Maine is holding its 2022 annual meeting on Thursday, June 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. Municipal officials are invited to participate in workshops focused on home weatherization, EV charging and the emerging trends in home electrification.