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...
Thursday, December 28, 2023
In 2024, FEMA will launch its “Year of Resilience” campaign by offering low-interest loans directly to communities to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, promote equity, foster greater community resilience, and reduce disaster impacts. Please visit this site for more information about this opportunity.
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...
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.
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...
Monday, November 6, 2023
On August 3, 2023, Governor Mills signed an executive order directing the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) to develop a plan establishing an Office of New Americans. Information about this effort, including the full text of the executive order, can be found here. In summary, by January 19, 2024, GOPIF must: (1) deliver a plan to establish a new state office to support the long-term economic and civic integration of immigrants in Maine; (2)...
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Lewiston announces Wednesday, November 1 as “Act of Kindness and Gratitude Day” to commemorate the one-week anniversary of the lives lost on October 25.
Click here for details.
Monday, October 30, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $20 million in grant funding through the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program to address the need for building a pipeline of skilled, diverse water and wastewater utilities workers. Cities, via their public works departments, are eligible recipients of these grants and are encouraged to apply by the November 17th deadline!
Thursday, October 26, 2023
On behalf of staff and our Executive Committee, the Association expresses its deepest concerns for the City of Lewiston and all surrounding communities who continue to respond to last evening’s horrific event. Situations of this nature call into question the level of safety we have grown to rely on living in Maine.
Our hearts are with the victims and their families, as well as the public safety officials who respond to the call to protect Maine’s residents, businesses,...
Friday, October 20, 2023
Piscataquis Soil and Water Conservation District and Maine Audubon will be hosting a workshop for municipalities to learn about “Stream Smart” principles and funding opportunities for road/stream crossing projects. These crossings can help protect roads and public safety against flooding, and support fish and wildlife habitat. This workshop will provide information on basic “Stream Smart” principles and how to implement them, applicable regulations for...