Wednesday, September 27, 2023
In light of several recent "Zoom bombing" incidents, MMA Legal Services has developed guidance on administering public comment at municipal board meetings with remote means for participation.
Click here for details (login required)
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Update 8/31 –The state statute modifying the new sales procedures for tax-acquired property (30-A M.R.S. § 943-C) requires municipalities to use forms notices and instructions provided by Maine Revenue Services. Those forms are now available on the Maine Revenue Services Website. MMA Legal Services has updated its guidance on the new sales procedures to reflect this new information.
Click here for details
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
The Housing Opportunity Program is hosting four in-person office hour sessions in September in Belfast, Bangor, Houlton, and Caribou. According to officials at the Department of Economic & Community Development, these sessions will provide an informal way for community members, municipal officials, and planning board members to discuss issues related to the Maine’s affordable housing policies, including LD 2003. For more information, email...
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
The Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) is seeking public comments on proposed rules impacting the delivery, return, marketing and advertising of adult use cannabis, as well as the requirements for specified event permits. A copy of the proposed rules can be found here. OCP is accepting public comments through September 17, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. and will host an in-person public hearing on September 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. as another opportunity to solicit public comments and address...
Friday, August 25, 2023
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy is seeking feedback regarding the fiscal impacts of a Department of Justice (DOJ) rule establishing technical standards to ensure public websites and mobile applications are accessible for people with disabilities. The Office of Advocacy is interested in learning how this change would impact municipalities, with specific interest in the process municipalities are currently using to ensure accessibility and the estimated cost...
Thursday, August 24, 2023
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act Programs will provide Maine with an estimated $290 million grant to fund broadband infrastructure and digital equity for the entire state. The Maine Connectivity Authority will recap the BEAD and Digital Equity process to date and begin the discussion of what's to come at an interactive virtual event at 12pm on Tuesday, September 19. Click here to register for the event.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The Urban Institute is kicking off a new technical assistance program called the Mobility Action Learning Network to provide pro bono technical assistance to teams of local leaders interested in advancing locally driven programs, policies, and actions that boost upward mobility from poverty and racial equity. This opportunity will be made available for up to 30 teams, which must include members representing government agencies and non-government organizations capable of creating system...
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Volunteer Maine is accepting Letters of Intent from new communities in Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, and certain parts of Penobscot counties interested in engaging in this program. Maine Service Fellows are recent college graduates (within last 5 years) who commit a year to living and serving in a community as the additional human resource needed to address a community issue. The project they undertake may impact a single...
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
The Maine Municipal Association is pleased to formally announce the results of the annual election for the MMA Executive Committee for 2024. A total of 163 Voting Ballots were received. Leslie Giroux, Municipal Clerk for the Town of Solon, inspected each ballot and provided the official counts as follows: Vice President: Melissa Doane, Town Manager, Town of Bradley (160 votes received) EC Members: Shiloh LaFreniere, Town Manager, Town of Jay (160 votes received); Nathaniel Rudy, Town...
Monday, August 21, 2023
MMA and the U.S. Census Bureau jointly administer an annual fiscal survey, which is one of the only statewide data sources of municipal revenues and expenses. The results of this survey provide vital information which helps to guide the work of MMA member services for training and advocacy. Memos were emailed to officials in every municipality this week. Please consider devoting time to this important survey. Participation in MMA’s survey also satisfies your municipality’s...