The Maine Municipal Association is currently accepting nominations for its Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award. Does your municipality have a municipal volunteer or employee who has demonstrated the capability and willingness to “Hold the Community Together”, has selfless concern for people, has longevity of conscientious service, and is dedicated to the cause of good local government?   MMA is interested in having the opportunity to share in your municipality’s recognition of this special individual. Please complete the Nomination Form along with letters of support and send to MMA by Friday, August 18.

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota, which is likely to have a major impact on municipal sales of tax-acquired real estate.  Read more on the case from MMA Legal Services here.

You are cordially invited to attend The Missing Link: A Statewide Interconnection Conference on June 22nd at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. A Climate to Thrive has developed this conference in order to meet the largest challenge facing renewable energy deployment and will define Maine’s ability to reach our climate goals.

On May 31, 2023, Maine CDC is sponsoring a continuing education class for Local Health Officers exploring ways to prevent and address mold and moisture problems in homes and rental properties. 

Community Organizing Alliance will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 20 at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston, Maine from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) has issued a Final Rule implementing legislation enacted last year aimed at removing regulatory barriers to affordable housing production in Maine. The “Affordable Housing Law” requires additional density allowances for affordable housing developments and requires that municipalities allow multiple dwelling units and accessory dwelling units in specified areas (see 30-A M.R.S. §§ 4364 – 4364-C)

The Eastern Maine Development Corporation is hosting its 12th Annual Grants Conference that will provide an introduction to grants development including how to find, apply for, and manage grant awards.  For more information on the opportunity, please click here.

On Thursday, May 11, from 1-2:30pm, the SBA Office of Advocacy will host a virtual roundtable on the EPA’s recently proposed PFAS National Drinking Water Regulation.

Thursday, May 11 - "How to Start & Fund an Asset Management Program from Scratch"
12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $75

Wednesday, June 7 - "The Show Must Go On: Business Continuity, Succession Planning, and Emergency Preparedness"
1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $50

Click here or read more below for registration details.

The DACF is currently accepting applications for a new Browntail Moth mitigation fund until end of day on 5/16/23. See here for more information.

On May 3,  Auburn PAL & the City of Auburn will host Leadercast, a one-day leadership training event designed to help develop leaders in communities across Maine.  For more information about the event please click here.

The Maine Climate Council is hosting a Communities Leading on Climate conference on Thursday, May 11 at the University of Maine’s Wells Conference Center located in Orono .  For more information about the event, please visit this site. 

On Thursday, May 4, the Governor's Energy Office will offer an informal briefing to municipalities and tribes in Maine.

Across the country, hate crimes are underreported, making it difficult for government officials to respond appropriately. Thirty-eight states do not mandate that their law enforcement academies provide instruction on hate crimes.

With the April 30, 2023 ARPA reporting deadline facing most municipalities, both the U.S. Treasury and the National Leagues of Cities (NLC) have developed resources to help guide municipalities through the process.