Tuesday, October 10, 2023
The Maine CDC and the Office of Maine State Fire Marshal are sponsoring a webinar, "A Day in the Life of a CEO/LHO" (on Zoom) on Thursday, October 19, 1:00-3:00pm. This webinar is free of charge.
Hear a retired CEO/LHO share practical ins and outs of LHO and CEO work from the time a complaint is received, including information about accessing property, difficult communications, safety considerations, and other tips from the field.
Register for Zoom webinar here
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)
Thursday, September 21, 2023
In collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and Office of Fiscal and Program Review, the Secretary of State has published the Citizen's Guide to the 2023 Maine Referendum Election, which provides a non-partisan overview of the ballot measures voters will consider at the polls this November. Click here to review the guide.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
The U.S. Treasury is reporting that 4,300 ARPA recipients have not filed required reports. Although the list of non-filers has not been released, it is possible that some municipalities in Maine have missed the deadline. The concern among municipal officials is if reporting deadlines are not fulfilled, the federal government will seek to “claw back” the distributed revenue. Even if a municipality has nothing to report, they must comply with the filing...
Friday, September 15, 2023
MMA Legal Services has developed guidance on municipal rights and obligations under FOAA.
Guidance
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...