The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Mills Administration announced that they will collaborate to launch the Working Communities Challenge in Maine. The initiative aims to strengthen Maine’s rural towns and smaller cities and is backed in part by $2.7 million in donations. The challenge supports local teams that work together to improve economic outcomes for all people in Maine communities. Successful teams will address economic growth and reduce inequity of opportunity tied to race, ethnicity, and other aspects of identity and background.

A special section of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel newspapers recently featured MMA President Christine Landes and Immediate Past President Mary Sabins as examples of women who are leaders in municipal government in Maine. Both spoke about their passion for city and town management.

South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli recently highlighted the International City/County Management Association’s Code of Ethics, which offers guidance for top appointed municipal officials during an election season. For example, ICMA advises city and town managers to refrain from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office.

Maine Municipal Association’s Legal Services Department today released updated guidance on a variety of municipal functions that were, and are, affected by the coronavirus public health emergency. The six-page report addresses elections, absentee ballots, open town meetings, referendums, remote meetings and several of Gov. Janet Mills’ Executive Orders that relate to COVID-19.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection 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. During last spring’s first round, the DEP awarded more than $129,600 to help fund seven projects, many involving recycling or composting. The deadline for questions in this round is Oct. 31. Applications are due by Nov. 16.

The Maine Secretary of State’s Elections Division this week provided documents to municipal clerks and registrars regarding the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election that describe the provisions and procedures in place for managing both in-person and absentee voting during the current State of Civil Emergency triggered by the coronavirus. The guidance includes information on absentee voting, ballot defects, polling procedures and a COVID checklist.

The Mills Administration announced today that Maine will move into Stage 4 of the Plan to Restart Maine’s Economy beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2020. With cold weather months approaching, Stage 4 increases limits on indoor seating to 50 percent capacity of permitted occupancy, or 100 people, whichever is less. It also requires municipal buildings to ensure that people inside wear masks, and it expands mask requirements for businesses by making them statewide.

The COVID-19 public health emergency raises questions about Halloween starting with: What is safe and what is risky? The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released guidelines saying what practices are considered to be pretty safe (doing things like carving pumpkins as a family) and less safe (indoor haunted house visits, with people screaming).

The National League of Cities' annual City Summit conference, scheduled for Nov. 18-20, is an event for local officials – elected and staff – to learn about the issues affecting local governments and expand their professional network.  The lineup of speakers includes Van Jones, a political commentator with CNN, and Joe Buscaino, president of the NLC and president pro tempore of the Los Angeles City Council. This year’s summit will be a virtual event.

The municipalities of Freeport, Vassalboro, Mount Desert, Alna and Swan’s Island all were recognized for producing the highest-quality Annual Reports, during judging held recently at the Maine Municipal Association. MMA’s Annual Report Competition, which has been held for more than 50 years, recognizes municipalities for producing reports for their citizens that have excellent content, are well organized and visually appealing. In all, 17 municipalities were honored. More than 140 municipalities entered reports this year.