What's New at MMA

Maine Farmland Trust – Municipal Guide

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Over the last month, the Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) has conducted weekly webinars aimed at disseminating the contents of the new municipal guide targeted at cultivating Maine’s agricultural future. More information about the webinar series, as well as recordings from the four previous sessions are available here on MFT’s website. 


Workplace Retirement Plan Certification Exemption

Friday, March 15, 2024

The Maine Retirement Investment Trust (MERIT) would like to remind municipal officials that local governments are exempted from complying with the requirement that employers with 15 or more employees register with MERIT or certify that they have a qualified workplace retirement plan by April 30th and employers with 5-14 employees register with MERIT or certify that they have a qualified workplace retirement plan by June 30, 2024.  Municipalities do not need to take any action regarding...


Cross-Border Conversations: Parks and Recreation

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

On Monday, March 11 at 10 a.m., the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging is bringing together representatives working with older adults through parks and recreation organizations in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire to discuss how entities are engaging older adults through dynamic programing that strengthens social connections.  Municipal officials interested in participating can register here .


Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Important Application Deadline

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Maine Housing will stop processing new HEAP applications as of 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2024.  Based on the current rate of applications, approvals, denials, and average benefit paid, the deadline will enable the authority to serve all who apply before that date.  Maine Housing is advising the following: “The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a program that provides a fixed amount of funding to Maine each year from the federal government. Based on the most current...



MaineHousing to End Homeowners’ Assistance Fund – January 2024

Thursday, December 28, 2023

As of 5 p.m. on January 10, 2024, MaineHousing will stop accepting applications for the Homeowner’s Assistance Fund program.  The program was established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide relief to homeowners who suffered financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic.  While time will tell, based on an assessment of current program statics regarding rates of application, approvals, denials, and financial commitments, MaineHousing is expecting to have...



DECD Schedules 2024 In Person Hours for LD 2003 Questions

Friday, December 22, 2023

DECD’s Housing Opportunity Program staff will host nine in-person additional office sessions throughout January and into early February.  The purpose of the meetings is to provide an opportunity for elected and appointed municipal officials and residents to discuss and pose questions about the impacts of the LD 2003 housing mandates on existing regulations, ordinances, and planning documents.  There is no need to register to attend the events, as the sessions are conducted...


EPA Lead & Copper Rule Improvements Roundtable

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy will host a virtual roundtable focused on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed improvements to the lead and copper rules, which were established in 1991 to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.  To register for the session, please use this link.


SNAP – Lost Food Due to Power Outages

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Mainers who receive SNAP benefits, and lost food due to power outages during the December 18 storm may be eligible for replacement of up to one month’s worth of SNAP benefits. To be eligible, residents must be without power for at least eight hours. Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will verify the duration of the power outage and determine eligibility. Claims must be filed with the DHHS within 10 days of having electricity restored to the home.  To make a...


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