The Maine Abandoned and Discontinued Roads Commission will hold a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on December 14, 2022, in Room 214 of the Cross Office Building at 111 Sewall St, Augusta, Maine 04333. The Commission is seeking input from all stakeholders on its mission and adoption of a remote meeting policy.

On Friday, MCA announced 26 awards totaling more than $4 million in funding and support to community, regional and tribal organizations through the Regional & Tribal Broadband Partners and Get Ready Community Support programs.  

The National League of Cities will be hosting a webinar on Dec 8, 2022 - 12pm to 1pm:  Clean Energy Project Eligibility for Local Governments in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Coming up soon is the Maine Broadband Coalition's annual summit on Dec 8 and 9 at Thomas College in Waterville. The event brings together municipal officials with volunteers, internet service providers, and others with an interest in bringing high-quality internet to every corner of Maine.

In partnership with the National League of Cities and the Iowa League of Cities, the Center for Public Democracy at Drake University will host the first annual National Civility Summit for Local Government on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Employers take note that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a new poster intended to replace its long running “EEO is the Law” poster. Entitled "Know Your Rights," the new poster includes updated language and clarifications that more clearly inform employees and applicants of their right to be free from unlawful workplace harassment and discrimination under federal law. Covered employers are urged to update their posters as soon as possible. 

Dislocated worker grants available for residents of Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, or York County who have been impacted by the opioid crisis. 

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announces upcoming events including Browntail Moth Mitigation Fund Rulemaking.

The Maine Attorney General is announcing the first meeting of the Maine Recovery Council.  Municipal officials are urged to attend the meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Maine State House, Room 228 (Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs). 

Southern Maine Community College's "Seven Keys to a Successful Negotiation" workforce training blends leading academic principles with lessons learned from a successful business career. The training is free to employees of MMA member municipalities and will take place fully online.

The Maine Connectivity Authority last week released the application for its Connect the Ready grants, intended to encourage proactive partnerships and collaborative efforts to design, fund, and build broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas. Eligible applicants for this $20 million in grants include internet service providers, or broadband utility districts, and other governmental entities that have chosen ISP partners.

The Maine CDC, Division of Public Health Systems has large quantities of PPE available for donation to municipalities, including surgical masks, Tyvek suits, and disinfecting wipes.  Supplies are available on a first come first serve basis and must be picked up in Augusta by appointment.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Steven Boucouvalas at Steven.Boucouvalas@maine.gov.  

Most are aware of last year’s amendment to Maine’s Right to Know Law that permanently authorized remote participation at public proceedings by board and committee members.  But did you know that the law was amended again this year? MMA Legal Services explains the amendments and provides an updated sample policy in the links below:

The Maine Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, and managed by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, is seeking applications for grants to fund programs offering wellness supports to agricultural populations in Maine, including improving access to physical and mental health services.  The application process closes on November 15.  Please visit this link for more information on how this opportunity could help your community. 

Up to $5,000 in grant funding for historical building energy audits is now available from the Maine Community Foundation’s Belvedere Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency grant program.  Eligible buildings must be owned by a nonprofit or municipality and be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information, visit this link.