The 6th Annual Northeast CO Alliance Virtual Summit (Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont) will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

The 2021 GrowSmart Maine Summit is a hybrid session this year, being held both virtually and in person on Thursday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Summit’s theme this year is “Turning Climate Action into Economic Opportunity: Smart Growth Guidance for Maine Communities.” Keynote Speakers are Dr. Devashree Saha, Senior Associate from World Resources Institute and Kate Dufour, Director of MMA’s State and Federal Relations Department.

US Harbors is hosting a free, online conference November 17, 2021, from 1-4pm with internationally renowned experts speaking on key aspects of rising coastal water levels. The purpose of the event is to help communities understand what is happening--and predicted to happen--with rising water-levels and learn about how to track, and plan for, these conditions.  

ACEEE is offering a no-cost technical assistance opportunity to at least five local governments across the country. ACEEE's initiative will provide technical assistance to cities and community-based organizations working to create and implement programs for rental housing efficiency upgrades. Their goal is to protect the climate, reduce energy costs, and preserve affordable neighborhoods.

The National League of Cities' annual City Summit conference, scheduled for Nov. 12, 15-19, 2021 is an event for local officials – elected and staff – to learn about the issues affecting local governments and expand their professional network. Hear from experts committed to supporting you and your work to help America’s cities, towns and villages rebuild and recover from the pandemic in a stronger, more equitable and resilient way.

The Mills Administration is encouraging local governments across Maine to apply for $119.2 million in Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which passed the U.S. Senate by one vote. The ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Program is a State pathway to infuse Federal funds into Maine towns and cities to support a variety of their economic recovery priorities, such as investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure or addressing the public health impacts of COVID-19, including replacing lost public sector revenue, providing financial resources to affected small businesses, or providing premium pay to public health and safety employees performing essential work during the pandemic, like 911 operators or EMS staff.

Robert “Robbie” Moulton, retired Police Chief from the Town of Scarborough, has been named the Ethel N. Kelley award recipient at the 85th annual MMA Convention held virtually on September 30.   The award, MMA’s highest honor, is given annually in recognition of Ethel N. Kelley, who served in multiple capacities at MMA including acting Executive Director. Criteria for the award include municipal officials that exemplify the best in local government by having a straightforward selfless concern for people, a demonstrated capability and willingness to “hold the community together,” longevity of conscientious service and dedication to the cause of good local government.
 

James A. Bennett, Biddeford, Maine City Manager was sworn in as Maine Municipal Association’s 2022 President on September 30 at its 85^th Annual Conference held in Augusta, Maine. Bennett started his municipal career in 1982 being elected as a member of the Board of Selectpersons from his hometown of Lisbon.  He was re-elected in 1985.  In February 1986, Bennett assumed his first Town Manager job for the Town of Dixfield, Maine, where he served for two years.  Over his career, he went on to serve as the Town (City) Manager (Administrator) for the Towns (Cities) of New Gloucester, Old Orchard Beach, Westbrook, Lewiston, Sabattus, and Presque Isle.  He has served as Biddeford’s City Manager since 2015.

Over the past year telehealth has provided individuals in communities throughout Maine with access to health care services from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth relies upon high speed broadband to support high quality visual connections between health care providers and individuals in their homes. Unfortunately many individuals experienced  challenges with telehealth technology due to inadequate broadband.  This webinar features Dr. Michael Ross and Jennifer Brewer, telehealth leaders with Northern Light Health discussing the expansion of telehealth over the past year and the critical interface between telehealth and high speed broadband in local communities.  The webinar will provide important information to support municipal leaders and communities as they plan to access funding to support expanding broadband access throughout Maine.

MMA Legal Services has updated its FAQs on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in light of additional information from the U.S. Treasury on eligible uses and reporting requirements.