City Receives Three Proposals in Response to Homeless Services Center RFQ/P

The City of Portland received three development proposals in response to the Request for Qualifications/Proposals the City issued to support construction of a new Homeless Services Center (HSC). City staff is currently reviewing the proposals and hope to ...

Council’s Finance Committee Votes to Recommend Lower FY22 School Budget Increase

The Portland City Council’s Finance Committee held a joint City/School budget meeting last night, Thursday, April 29, 2021. During the meeting, the Committee voted 3-0 to recommend a $1.48 million reduction in the Portland Board of Education’s (School Boa...

Absentee Voting Information For June 8 Special Municipal Election

Voters wishing to vote absentee in the June 8 Special Municipal Election for the Charter Commissioners and School Budget Referendum can request their absentee ballot now. The City is now offering a new online request form. Absentee ballots may also be req...

Racial Equity Steering Committee Presents Full Report to City Council

The Racial Equity Steering Committee presented its full report to the City Council during the Council's April 26, 2021 meeting. To read the full report, click here.

The Committee presented its findings after meeting weekly since September 2020. The Council...

City Manager Presents Recommended FY22 Municipal Budget

Portland City Manager Jon Jennings will present his recommended FY22 municipal budget to the City Council tonight during a remote meeting at 5:00 PM. Agenda and Zoom information can be found at www.portlandmaine.gov/agendas.

The City’s FY22 revenue outlook...

Portland Artists Brighten Downtown Street Closures

The City of Portland joined forces with Creative Portland to beautify the recently installed street closure barricades on several streets downtown. Creative Portland hired five local artists to add creative and friendly arts messaging on the barricades, w...

Council’s HHS & Public Safety Committee to Take Public Comment

The Council’s Health and Human Services & Public Safety Committee, which has its regular monthly virtual meeting tonight, Tuesday, April 13 at 5:30 PM, has added a public comment session to the agenda in regards to the HHS Facility agenda item. This i...

City Manager Pushes FY22 Budget Presentation to April 26 Meeting to Allow for Final ARP Guidance

City Manager Jon Jennings announced today that he is pushing back his FY22 municipal budget presentation, originally slated to be given during the City Council’s April 5 meeting, in order to confirm guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the...

City Manager Releases FY22 CDBG Funding Recommendations

City Manager Jon Jennings released his recommendations to the City Council for allocating the FY22 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, and supplemental CARES ACT funding. The City Council will hold two remote public hearings regarding this f...

Mayor Kate Snyder Monthly Zoom Meetings

Join Mayor Kate Snyder for her monthly zoom in which constituents can get recent updates from the Mayor and discuss any issues. Zoom details here.

Portland Mayor & Council Denounce Recent Hate Incident

Mayor Kate Snyder and the Portland City Council are denouncing a hate incident committed against an Asian American woman and her family on Monday, thanking the Portland Police Department for its swift work in apprehending the individual responsib...

Independent Firm Begins Solicitation of Public Information Related to June Protest

Clifton Larson Allen LLP (CLA), the firm hired to conduct an internal affairs investigation related to the Portland Police Department’s response to a protest held in June 2020, is now soliciting feedback from the public as part of an effort to provide add...

City Seeks Applicants for Vacancies on Several Boards & Committees

The City Clerk is seeking applications for several vacancies on various boards and committees. The vacant positions are described below. Additional information is available on the City’s website or by calling 207-874-8677. Deadline for submissio...

Mayor's February Monthly Zoom to be Held February 24

In addition to opportunities to engage at Council meetings, Council Committee meetings, via email, phone, through the Portland Alliance of Neighborhoods, etc., Mayor Kate Snyder has established a Monthly Zoom so that she can be available, hear from, and t...

City Launches Third Round of Free PPE Give-A-Way to Portland Businesses

The City of Portland is launching a third round of free PPE Give-A-Way for Portland’s small businesses.  

In an effort to aid the small business community, the City is pleased to offer its third round of free personal protective equipment (PPE) su...

City Selects Firm to Conduct Internal Investigation Related to Protest Response

The City of Portland has selected Clifton Larson Allen LLP (CLA) to conduct an internal affairs investigation related to the Portland Police Department’s response to a protest held in June 2020. The goal of the investigation is to ensure the integrity of ...

Portland Celebrates Graduation of the 2021 Natural Helpers Cohort

The City of Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is honored to announce the graduation of its second cohort of the Natural Helper program. Twelve individuals, representing eight countries of origin, from Angola to Peru, successfully completed f...

City Updates Public Regarding COVID-19 Efforts

The City of Portland is updating the public today on its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, manage outbreaks, and provide vaccination opportunities. The City’s public health campaign, StaytheCourse.me, continues to offer educational information and m...

Mayor Snyder Launches Monthly Community Zoom for Feedback

Mayor Snyder Launches Monthly Community Zoom for Feedback

In addition to opportunities to engage at Council meetings, Council Committee meetings, via email, phone, through the Portland Alliance of Neighborhoods, etc., Mayor Kate Snyder is establishing a Mo...

Mayor Snyder Acknowledges Historic Inauguration Day

Portland Mayor Kate Snyder today acknowledged Inauguration Day 2021 by congratulating President Biden and Vice President Harris. Tonight’s City Council meeting includes a Proclamation Recognizing January 20, 2021 as Inauguration Day.

Mayor Snyder issued th...

Racial Equity Steering Committee to Accept Written Public Comments

The City of Portland's Racial Equity Steering Committee (RESC) would like to learn about the public’s concerns, ideas, and recommendations regarding how the City of Portland addresses public safety and racial equity. RESC has hosted two in-person public c...

Council to Hold Executive Session

The Portland City Council will hold an Executive Session at the end of its remote January 20, 2021 meeting. The City Council will go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. section 405(6)(E) to consult with its attorney regarding the City's legal righ...

Mayor Kate Snyder to Speak at Opening of New 51-Unit Apartment Building in Bayside

The redevelopment of Portland’s Bayside neighborhood will reach another milestone Thursday, January 14, 2021 with Portland-based developer The Szanton Company opening the doors of Furman Block. The new development features 51 mixed-income, age 55+ apartme...

Portland City Council Denounces Recent Hate Crimes

Mayor Snyder and all members of the Portland City Council are denouncing a string of recent hate crimes in which residents in Portland and South Portland received dangerous and threatening hate letters in their mail on January 5 and January 7. The letters...

Mayor Snyder Releases Statement in Response to Violence in Washington, D.C.

Portland Mayor Kate Snyder today released the following statement in response to the violence that occurred  in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Capitol. 

“I am stunned, saddened, and maddened as I join so many voices condemning the violence ...

City Extends Outdoor Operations

 In order to continue helping local businesses through the pandemic, the Portland City Council approved an extension of the City’s emergency proclamation as well as outdoor dining operations through May 10, 2021. This will allow restaurants and r...

City Issues Reports on Housing, Economic Development & Marine Economy

The Portland City Council received several reports during its December 21, 2020 Council meeting. Related to the City’s housing efforts, marine and waterfront economy, and economic development achievements. 

The former Housing Committee will submit...

City Council Holds Remote Goal Setting Session

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 5:00 PM the Portland City Council will host a remote workshop for a Goal Setting Session. The meeting will take place via Zoom. Agenda and access info can be found here. 

WHEN:    Wedne...

Racial Equity Steering Committee to Host Public Comment Sessions

The City’s Racial Equity Steering Committee will be hosting remote public comment sessions to solicit feedback on the ways that the City interacts with area agencies and organizations in the name of public safety. The Committee is interested in knowing wh...

Portland Finalizes Shelter Spaces for Winter

The City of Portland’s Health & Human Services (HHS) Department has continued working diligently to ready emergency shelter beds for the winter season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the anticipated impact on people experiencing homelessness. Ci...

City Releases Implementation Information for Recently Passed Citizen Initiative Referendum Ordinance

The City of Portland today released implementation information for the five citizen initiative ordinances that were passed by Portland voters at the November 3 election. 

The City’s implementation plan follows the letter of the ordinances (known a...

City Council Inauguration to be Held Remotely Monday, December 7

On Monday, December 7, 2020, during a special noontime remote City Council meeting, newly elected Councilors April Fournier (At-Large), Andrew Zarro (District 4) and Mark Dion (District 5) will be sworn-in. The City will also honor outgo...

City Staff Readying Implementation of Recently Passed Citizen Initiative Ordinances

City of Portland staff are readying implementation of the five citizen initiative ordinances that were passed by Portland voters during the November 3 election. Staff has completed its legal review of Questions A (Minimum Wage), B (Facial Recogni...

Grants to Help Businesses Sustain Outdoor Winter Operations Now Available

The City of Portland’s Winter Business Sustainability Grant Program (WBSG) is being launched today, November 19. Offering grants of up to $10,000, the Program’s purpose is to assist Portland businesses with the cost of maintaining a portion of their opera...

City Working on Implementation of Recently Passed Citizen Initiative Ordinances

City of Portland staff continue to work on the implementation of the five citizen initiative ordinances that were passed by Portland voters during the November 3 election. Staff has completed its legal review of Questions A (Minimum Wage), B (Facial Recog...

City Installs Additional Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

On Thursday, November 19 at 11:00 AM, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder and Councilor Spencer Thibodeau, Chair of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee, will unveil a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station in front of Portland City Hall. It is one ...

Council Gives Guidance on Two of the Recently Passed Referendum Questions Following Workshop

The Portland City Council issued guidance on two of the five recently passed citizen initiative referendum questions following a November 10 workshop and executive session. The Council went into executive session to get guidance from the...

Mayor Snyder Reflects on Biden-Harris Win

 Mayor Kate Snyder issued the following statement in response to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris becoming the President and Vice President-Elect.

“With great sincerity and enthusiasm I congratulate President-Elect Biden, and Vice President-E...

Portland Mayor Snyder Reacts to State’s New Executive Order on Mask Wearing

In reaction to Governor Mills' Executive Order today that strengthens the face covering requirement, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder offered the following statement:

"Given the consistent increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Maine, it's imperative that w...

City Staff Analyzing Impacts of Referendum Questions

City of Portland staff will begin analyzing the impacts of the citizen initiative referendum questions that passed at the polls yesterday during the November 3, 2020 election. Questions A, B, C, D, and F passed according to the unofficial election results...

City Sets Schedule for Remote Annual District Meetings

The City of Portland’s annual district meetings will still be held this year, however remotely via Zoom. Mayor Snyder, City Councilors, the City Manager and staff will be available to discuss neighborhood issues and answer questions from the public.&n...

Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 is Election Day. The City’s 11 polling locations will open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. Polling locations will look different -- booths will be spread out, hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray will be plent...

Council to Hold Hearing on Final Revised Land Use Code

On Monday, November 9, the Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on Phase I of the City’s ReCode initiative, the City’s effort to streamline, modernize, and update its land use code to reflect the goals of the City’s comprehensive plan (Portlan...

City Statement Regarding Use of Joyce House as Temporary Emergency Shelter

On October 19, 2020, the City of Portland announced it was finalizing its plans on a three-pronged approach to increase the amount of shelter beds available in Portland this winter in light of necessary COVID-19 precautions and the loss ...

Portland Finalizing Plans for Additional Shelter Space Ahead of Winter

The City of Portland’s Health & Human Services (HHS) Department has been working diligently to prepare for the winter season and the anticipated impact on people experiencing homelessness. Staff is in the midst of finalizing its plan for shelter space...

City Extends Outdoor Operations to Further Assist Businesses During Pandemic

In order to continue helping local businesses through the pandemic, the Portland City Council approved a plan during its October 19, 2020 meeting to allow restaurants and retailers to continue to operate outdoors on private property, pub...

Mayor Snyder to Give Remote State of the City Address

Mayor Kate Snyder is set to give her first State of the City Address during a remote special city council meeting on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM. To access the meeting, visit the meeting agenda for the Zoom link.

City Manager Jennings Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension

City Manager Jon Jennings’ has agreed to a one-year contract extension as part of his recent performance evaluation. The employment contract extension will go before the City Council for a first read during its Monday, October 19, 2020 meeting. The second...

New External Absentee Ballot Drop Box Now Available Outside Merrill Auditorium

A new external ballot drop box has been installed for those wishing to drop off their completed absentee ballots. It is located outside of the Merrill Auditorium entrance for 24/7 ballot returns. Please remember to sign the back of the envelope before dep...

Portland Expands Hours for Absentee Voting & Ballot Drop Box Ahead of November 3 Election

In-person absentee voting is currently going on now in the City Clerk’s temporary office space in the Merrill Auditorium lobby via the Myrtle Street entrance. Regular hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. 

 The Clerk’s Offi...

City Again Offering Grants and Loans to Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

Round three of the City of Portland’s COVID-19 grant and loan programs are being launched today. Eligibility has been relaxed for businesses that received more than $10,000 in COVID-19 Federal or State Funding and need more assistance. Previously this mad...

Mayor Snyder Recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Mayor Kate Snyder today recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day and issued the following statement: 

“On behalf of the City Council, today we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the original peoples of many col...

Mayor & Councilors Announce Opposition to Citizen Initiative Referendum Questions A - E

Mayor Kate Snyder along with seven members of the City Council --Councilors Nick Mavodones, Jill Duson, Belinda Ray, Spencer Thibodeau, Tae Chong, Justin Costa, and Kim Cook -- announce their opposition to five citizen initiative referendum questions on t...

Council Approves Additional COVID-19 Rental & Business Assistance

The City Council allocated additional funds in the amount of $524,669 to the Portland CARES Emergency Income Payment Program (rental assistance) program during its October 8, 2020 meeting. Before new applications can be accepted for rental assistance, app...

Trick-Or-Treating Guidance for Halloween 2020 In Light of COVID-19

While the City of Portland does not control or sanction Halloween activities or Trick-or-Treating, it does want to make sure that residents are aware of this year’s safety guidelines should families choose to participate in Halloween 2020. The City is enc...

Portland and South Portland Release Joint Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, One Climate Future

The Cities of Portland and South Portland have released a draft of One Climate Future, a joint climate action and adaptation plan. One Climate Future is an innovative regional approach to climate action, bringing together two cities to m...

Mayor Appoints 13 Members to Racial Equity Steering Committee

Mayor Kate Snyder announced the appointment of 13 members to the Council’s newly formed Racial Equity Steering Committee during its September 9, 2020 meeting. The Council established a Racial Equity Steering Committee as part of a resolution tha...

Council Seeks Applicants for Racial Equity Steering Committee

The Portland City Council established a Racial Equity Steering Committee as part of a resolution that it passed at its July 13, 2020 Council meeting. The Committee will be tasked with developing recommendations to the City Council regarding the ways in wh...

Council Limits Rental Housing Application Fees

The Portland City Council approved a limitation on rental housing application fees during its August 3, 2020 meeting, which will be added to the City’s Code, Chapter 6, Buildings and Building Regulations, Section 223.1. The new ordinance prohibi...

Members of Public Encouraged to Apply for Charter Commission Council Appointee

The City Council’s newly created Charter Commission Ad Hoc Committee includes Mayor Snyder, Councilor Nick Mavodones, Councilor Pious Ali, and Councilor Tae Chong. 

The Ad Hoc Committee’s charge is to advance a slate of names f...

Mayor Snyder Offers Listening Session at Lincoln Park on July 29, 2020 at 9 AM

Mayor Kate Snyder is offering a listening session tomorrow morning at Lincoln Park regarding the protest at City Hall Plaza.

WHAT:  Mayor Kate Snyder offers Listening Session Re: Protest at City Hall Plaza // Maine People’s Housing Coal...

Council’s Ad Hoc Committee to Discuss Charter Commission Appointees During First Meeting

The City Council’s newly created Charter Commission Ad Hoc Committee will hold its first meeting today, Tuesday, July 28 at 4:00 PM via Zoom. Committee members include Mayor Snyder, Councilor Nick Mavodones, Councilor Pious Ali, and Councilor Ta...

Ten Mixed-Income Housing Projects Totaling Almost 900 Units Currently in Pipeline

Ten Mixed-Income Housing Projects Totaling Almost 900 Units Currently in Pipeline

City has not stopped working to create more affordable housing opportunities in Portland

In light of recent calls for the creation of more affordable housing in Portland, the ...

Council's Finance Committee Continues FY21 Budget Review Process on August 5, 2020

The Portland City Council’s Finance Committee will continue its FY21 budget review process with a series of meetings starting on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The meetings will take place remotely via Zoom and can be live-streamed at www...

City Council to Hold Workshop on Monday, July 27

The Portland City Council will host a remote workshop on Monday, July 27 at the end of its special meeting, which starts at 5:30 PM. The workshop will discuss issues related to those experiencing homelessness, Deering Oaks Park, and City Hall Plaza. The r...

Mayor Outlines Process for Establishing Charter Commission Members

Mayor Kate Snyder and the Portland City Council will hold a special remote City Council meeting on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 5:30 PM for the purpose of voting on a resolution to create an Ad Hoc Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee’s charge would be t...

City Continues to Serve Homeless People While Responding to Issues in Deering Oaks Park

The City of Portland continues to compassionately serve people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, as follows:

• The City is currently operating three (3) emergency shelters in accordance with CDC guidelines: the Oxford Street Shelter (OS...

City Council Passes Resolution Establishing a Racial Equity Steering Committee

The City Council passed a resolution at its Monday, July 13, 2020 meeting that establishes a Racial Equity Steering Committee to develop recommendations in response to systemic inequities. 

The original resolution can be read here. Councilors Spen...

Councilor Pious Ali Denounces Violence Against Police Department

Councilor Pious Ali held a press conference on Friday, June 10 to address recent violence against the Portland Police Department.

His remarks included the follow statements:

"Like many Portland residents, I was shocked waking up last Monday morning to ...

Mayor & Councilors Issue Statements Denouncing Violence Against Police Officers

Mayor Kate Snyder and several members of the City Council issued statements today denouncing recent violence against Portland Police officers.

Mayor Kate Snyder said, “As we work together as a community toward equity, the dismantling of systemic ...

City Makes $500,000 Available for Rent Assistance for Portlanders Affected by COVID-19

In response to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the City of Portland will make available up to three months of rent, and up to $250 in utility assistance to alleviate the housing burden for low income households that have lo...

Mayor and City Councilors Hold Press Conference to Discuss Recent Demonstrations

Mayor Kate Snyder and members of the Portland City Council held a press conference today at City Hall to discuss the recent demonstrations in Portland. They expressed support for the peaceful protests, the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as a commitm...

City Council Issues Proclamation Condemning Racism and Honoring Arbery, Taylor and Floyd

Mayor Snyder and the Portland City Council issued a proclamation at their June 1, 2020 City Council meeting condemning racism and honoring Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

PROCLAMATION CONDEMNING RACISM AND HONORING AHMAUD ARBERY, BREONNA TA...

City Offers Help to Small Businesses During Pandemic - Launches Three Grant & Loan Programs

The City of Portland launched three emergency business assistance programs after receiving City Council approval of the programs at its May 4, 2020 meeting and final funding for them at its May 18, 2020 meeting.

The programs include the Business Assistance...

Mayor Snyder & City Manager Issue Letter to Citizens and Businesses Regarding Reopening Plans

Portland Mayor Kate Snyder and City Manager Jon Jennings issued a letter to citizens and businesses today recapping the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and outlining its reopening plans. You can read it at the link below. 

Read on...

City Proposes Plan to Assist Restaurant & Retail Businesses with Reopening

In conjunction with Governor Mills’ Restarting Maine’s Economy plan, which outlines the gradual stages of reopening, the City of Portland has put together a proposed plan that includes temporary street closures and permitting changes t...

City of Portland Following CDC Guidelines Regarding Coronavirus Precautions

The City of Portland is actively engaged and monitoring guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Maine CDC regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 preparations and precautions. The City’s emergency management team is...

Volunteer & Donation Information to Support Asylum Seekers

Thank you to those who have expressed a wish to volunteer your time and services in helping us as we support asylum seekers arriving in Portland. Thanks to our friends at the United Way of Greater Portland, we now have a coordinated and secure way to acce...

City Responds to Influx in Asylum Seekers

The City of Portland, in response to an influx in asylum seekers from the southern US border, has activated an emergency operations center and additional emergency shelter at the Portland Expo. Since Sunday, June 9, the City has received roughly 100 new a...

City Seeks Interested Applicants to Create MLK Memorial in Portland

The City of Portland announced today that it is seeking qualifications from interested applicants for the creation of a memorial to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Portland. The RFQ is available here and interested applicants have until June 26 ...

FY20 Municipal Budget Currently Under Review by Council

The City Council’s Finance Committee is in the midst of reviewing the City Manager’s Recommended FY20 Municipal Budget. Upcoming Council and public review of the budget will take place at the following times:

Finance Committee Meetings All meetings are in R...