City Seeks Nominations for Boards and Committees Vacancies

The City Clerk is seeking applications for several vacancies on various boards and committees. The vacant positions are described below. Deadline for submission is December 28, 2019. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Appointme...

City Honors Five Local Businesses at Annual Business Awards

Five local Portland businesses/organizations will be recognized on Wednesday, December 11 by the City of Portland and the Portland Development Corporation (PDC) at this year’s annual awards ceremony for their role in expanding the city’s economic vitality...

Portland Youth Council Set to Begin Its Work

The City of Portland has set the membership for the Portland Youth Council, which will connect, engage, and empower Portland's diverse youth population through government and civic participation. The Youth Council consists of 13 youth who reside in Portla...

Public Meeting - Overset Road and Hope Street Parking

Representatives with the City of Portland will be presenting and seeking public input on neighborhood concerns about parking associated with use of the Portland trails access to the Presumpscot River in the Overset Road/ Hope Street Neighborhood. This is ...

City Planners Seek Feedback on ReCode Portland Effort

The City of Portland’s Planning & Urban Development Department is pleased to announce that it is now seeking feedback from the public on the first four draft articles of its ReCode Portland effort. The effort is the first rewriting of the Ci...

City Reminds Residents of Winter Storm Operations Information

In advance of what appears to be the first significant snow storm of the season, the City would like to remind residents of winter storm operations information. The Department of Public Works is ready for the winter storm season, in which they care for mo...

City Launches Application Process for Community Partner Reimbursements from Asylum Seeker Donations

The City of Portland is pleased to announce it has launched an application process for community partners to request reimbursement for the assistance they provided while the City managed an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers this past summer. The City...

Portland Earns a 94 on Human Rights Campaign’s MEI 2019 Scorecard

The City of Portland is proud to announce that it earned seven extra points this year on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI), with a total score of 94, the highest score in Maine. The City has now increased its score...

4-Miler Road Race on Thursday and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday

More than 1,500 runners are expected to take part in the 38th  Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler road race in Portland on November 28 starting at 9:00 AM and resulting in multiple road closures. The kids run begins at 8:30 AM. 

The following roads...

44th Annual Great American Smokeout

November 21, 2019 is the 44th Annual Great American Smokeout. Since 1976, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout, a national public awareness event encouraging people to quit smoking, even if it is just for one day. 

Qu...

Tree to arrive in Monument Square

The tree that signals the start of the holiday season in Portland will arrive in Monument Square on Thursday, November 21 around 9:00am.

Crews from the Forestry Section of Portland’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department will prepare the ...

Washington Avenue New Signal Equipment

Due to systems testing and installations along Washington Avenue and Auburn Street today, November 15 through Monday, November 18, in association with new signal equipment, motorists will experience a delay along the corridor. The work is part of the inst...

Winter Storm Reminders

The City would like to remind residents of winter storm operations information. The Department of Public Works is ready for the winter storm season, in which they care for more than 560 lane miles of road, and the City’s Parks & Facilities D...

City to Test Extended Hours in Treasury Office

The City of Portland, in an effort to better serve its customers, is testing new operating hours for the Treasury Office. Beginning November 20, the office will stay open until 6:30 PM twice a month in December, January, February, and March. The Treasury ...

Three Finalists for MLK Memorial in Portland to Unveil Designs to the Public on November 14

The three finalists chosen to move forward to the RFP phase to create a memorial to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Portland will present their final designs during a November 14 meeting. The finalists include Robert Katz, Augusta, ME; TJD&A...

Emerald Ash Borer Emergency Order in Place

In early October, a single adult emerald ash borer was recovered from a trap which was deployed by the City of Portland in cooperation with the Maine Forest Service in Payson Park.  The city is responsible for over 600 ash trees and thousands of ...

Overnight closures of Warren Avenue and turnpike mainline stoppages (10/30 & 10/31)

On Wednesday, October 30 and Thursday, October 31, 2019, Warren Avenue in Portland will be closed overnight for the removal of structural steel on the northbound bridge that carries turnpike mainline traffic over the city street. The closures are...

Public Health Division’s Minority Health Program Receives $20k Grant

The City of Portland Public Health Division’s Minority Health Program is pleased to announce that the Maine Health Access Foundation has awarded it $20,000 grant to assist efforts in increasing the number of Portland residents enrolled in the Ma...

Important Election Day Information for Tuesday, November 5

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2019, and all local polling places are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters can check online to locate their polling place by visiting www.portlandmaine.gov/elections. Portland residents can register to vote on electio...

National Drug Take Back Day

Please visit any of these sites to safely dispose of expired or unused/unwanted medications. The disposal service is FREE and anonymous. Please note that needles, asthma inhalers, and illicit drugs are not accepted.

ACCEPTING VAPING DEVICES & CARTRIDGE...

Council Reschedules Joint Economic Development & Health and Human Services Committee Meeting

The Portland City Council has rescheduled its joint Economic Development and Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee meeting for Tuesday, November 26 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting, which will focus on proposed retail marijuan...

City Re-Launches Façade Improvement Program

The City of Portland’s Economic Development Department is re-launching the Façade Improvement Program. The Program is focused on commercial storefronts on Washington Avenue (from Congress Street to Gould Street Common) and St. John St...

City Opens Two Emergency Warming Shelters for Residents Still Without Power

The City of Portland is opening two warming shelters for those residents who are still without power and need a warm place to visit, charge electronics, or sleep overnight. The warming shelters will be located at the Reiche Community Center at 166 Bracket...

Fall Curbside Leaf & Yard Waste Collection Will Be Held Monday, October 28 - Friday, November 22

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that fall curbside leaf and yard waste bag collection will occur October 28 - November 22.  

Important: The leaves must be in the large, paper biodegradable leaf bags that can be purchased at most hardwa...

City to Host Commercial & Residential Forums Regarding Revaluation Process

Commercial property owner forum on November 1 at 11:30 AM - Residential property owner forum on November 25 at 5:00 PM

As part of the City’s revaluation process, the Assessor’s Office will be hosting two upcoming forums to furt...

Portland Continues to Create Housing for All Age & Income Groups Despite Market Obstacles

2,300 housing units approved from 2014 - August 2019;Report outlines remaining challenges and issues

City of Portland staff issued a draft of its 2019 biennial housing report ahead of the Housing Committee’s October 9 meeting, in which the report...

The Search is On! Portland Seeks Tree for Monument Square

Donors can submit their tree for consideration at portlandmaine.com/tree 

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year again. Portland Downtown and the City of Portland are seeking the next “perfect tree” to grace Monument Square. The tree wil...

Traffic Alert: Fore Street, Eastern Prom, and Franklin Street

Starting on Tuesday, October 8th, 2019, The Department of Public Works will begin conducting test pit utility explorations in Fore Street and the Eastern Prom Road between Mountfort and Morning Street and in Franklin Street between Marginal Way and Commer...

Baxter Boulevard Closed Sunday, October 6 for Maine Marathon

Baxter Boulevard will be closed to motorists this Sunday, October 6 to make way for 3,500-plus Maine Marathon participants. The Baxter Boulevard closure for the Maine Marathon will be in effect from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Preble Street to Washington Aven...

Straw Ordinance Will Go to City Council for Vote

On Wednesday, September 18th, the Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved the proposed Straw Ordinance 3-0 and the vote will now go before the full Council. The proposed ordinance utilizes a phased approach to discourage, and then ban the use...

Portland Fire Museum to Celebrate 17th Annual Open House

On Saturday, October 12, 2019, the Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association and the Portland Fire Department will be holding the 17th annual Open House at the Portland Fire Museum, which is located in the 1837 firehouse at 157 Spring Street from 1...

Baxter Boulevard Closed Sunday

Baxter Boulevard will be closed to motorists this Sunday, October 6 to make way for 3,500-plus Maine Marathon participants. The Baxter Boulevard closure for the Maine Marathon will be in effect from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Preble Street to Washington Aven...

UPDATE - MANDATORY CDBG APPLICANT MEETING

Our office has received many requests to change the date and time of the Mandatory Meeting for a variety of reasons. We are able to accommodate a time change, but due to limited large meeting space applicants will only have 4 weeks to complete their appli...

Washington Avenue Sewer Separation Project – NOTICE OF PAVING

Washington Avenue Sewer Separation Project – NOTICE OF PAVING 

Paving on Washington Avenue from Eastern Prom Road to Oxford Street is currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2019 and October 3, 2019.  Paving on North Street from Mel...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Forest Avenue, Bedford Street Intersection

On Saturday morning, September 28, 2019, the City’s contractor, Shaw Brothers Construction, will be reducing Forest Avenue to one lane in the inbound and outbound direction from 7am to 7pm.  The lane closures are required to install pavement with...

Traffic Alert: Fore and Franklin Street

Starting on Monday, September 30, 2019, The Department of Public Works will begin conducting test pit utility explorations in Fore Street between Mountfort and Morning Street and in Franklin Street between Marginal Way and Commercial Street.  Thi...

Drive Less, Do More celebrates multimodal lifestyle in Portland

Portland Downtown, the City of Portland, and local transit organizations are throwing a Launch Party for a new multimodal transportation marketing campaign – Drive Less, Do More – from 8am to 10am on Tuesday, September 24th in Monument Square. The celebra...

Portland Harvest Festival at Deering Oaks Park on September 29

Portland Harvest Festival is a non-profit event celebrating our city and the coming of Fall. Join Us, September 29, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, at Deering Oaks Park, for a time of food, live music and activities for the whole family! We will have games, free famil...

City Public Health Officials Warn of Vaping Dangers

As reports of vaping-related illnesses increase, Maine has enacted a law banning vaping on school grounds. On September 19, LD 152 took effect. The statute, “An Act to Prohibit the Possession and Use of Electronic Smoking Devices on School Grounds” comes ...

Portland Celebrates PARKing Day on Friday, September 20

On Friday, September 20, Portland artists, businesses, activists, and citizens will participate in an international event called “PARK(ing) Day,” temporarily transforming downtown parking spaces into public parks and social spaces.

The ...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Fore and Hancock Street September 22

Central Main Power Company in conjunction with Haugland Energy and Aceto Construction will be constructing a new electrical circuit on Fore Street to serve both the neighboring residential and commercial properties.  Construction will begin at th...

City Celebrates Welcoming Week September 13 - 22

For the third year in a row, the City of Portland will proudly celebrate Welcoming Week by hosting a series of interactive events beginning September 14, 2019 to recognize immigrant contributions to our community. Welcoming Week demonstrates that in place...

The City of Portland & Maine DEP Team Up to Monitor Air Quality

The City of Portland and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are teaming up to install an air quality monitor in the West End neighborhood. This means that Maine DEP will now monitor two sensors in Portland as the City has long had one locate...

City Streamlines Annual Tax Billing Process - September Bills Delayed

City's Job Creation Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The City of Portland is once again launching a new round of the Business Assistance Program for Job Creation (BAP), and applications are now being accepted. The Program provides matching grants to Portland businesses for the creation of one or two full-ti...

City Seeks Public Input on Integrated Water Resources Plan

The City of Portland’s Water Resources Division and the Portland Water District are seeking public input on a survey just released at their Integrated Water Resources Planning website, www.BluePortland.org. The survey’s goal is to coll...

City Council Asks Rock Row Developers to Address Concert Noise

The Portland City Council has sent a letter to the Rock Row developers asking them to address concert noise and related issues at the Maine Savings Pavillion. Councilors Batson and Thibodeau co-authored the letter, which all members of the Council signed....

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

City of Portland officials along with the Portland Fire Department and the Portland Police Department will join on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial at Fort Allen Park. Fire Chief Keith Gautreau and Police ...

International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil

Please join Portland Public Health’s Needle Exchange Program and its volunteer-based outreach team, I AM HERE, as they host Portland’s Sixth Annual Overdose Awareness Day Vigil. Accidental overdose has become the leading cause of death among Americans und...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Bolton Street closing, September 4 through September 5

Bolton Street will be closed for sewer manhole repairs, September 4 through September 5. Bolton Street will be open for local traffic only. Residents will be able to access their properties from either end. There will be signage to reflect the closure.&am...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Washington Ave To Eastern Prom September 3

On September 3, 2019 Milling (removal of asphalt) will be done on Washington Avenue between Walnut Street and Eastern Promenade. We expect the work to take less than a day. Traffic will be maintained but there will be no parking in this area from approxim...

City Meets Deadline Thanks to Community Effort; Transitions 200+ Asylum Seekers into Housing

The City of Portland announced today that it has met its August 15 deadline of returning the Portland Expo back to its contractually obligated operations thanks to a community wide effort that was able to house more than 200 recently arrived asylum seeker...

Commercial Street Operations & Master Plan Meeting August 13

City & Partners to Host Upcoming Public Meeting for Commercial Street Operations & Master Plan. 

The City of Portland, PACTS and the MaineDOT are hosting a Public Meeting to review and get input on alternative transportation operations and...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Frost Street Closure August 13 through August 15

Frost Street will be closed starting Tuesday, August 13 through Thursday, August 15 for work being done by PanAm to the railroad tracks. Local traffic will be able to get to their residence from Capisic Street, all other traffic will be re-routed. The str...

Veranda Street Bridge Replacement Public Meeting August 13

You are invited to a Public Meeting regarding the replacement of the MaineDOT Veranda Street Bridge. The meeting will be held at the East End Community Center, 195 North Street, August 8, 2019 at 6PM.For more information please contact MaineDOT Project Ma...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Candlewyck and Starlight Road August 12 through August 13

Paving work will take place on Candlewyck Road, Candlewyck Terrace, and Starlight Road, and is expected to take two days. There will be limited to zero access and no parking allowed between the hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, A...

City Announces Finalists to Create MLK Memorial in Portland

The City of Portland announced today that three finalists have been selected from the RFQ phase to move forward to the RFP phase to create a memorial to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Portland. The finalists are:  Robert Katz, Augusta,...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Bedford Street, Monday, August 11

On Sunday Evening, August 11, 2019, the City will be closing Bedford Street as part of the Bedford Street Sewer separation project for roadway pavement installation. The closure will occur from August 11 at 5pm to August 12 at 8am. Shaw Brothers,...

Portland Announces New Social Services Director

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that it has hired Aaron Geyer as its Social Services Administrator. He assumed the role on July 31, 2019, and had been serving as the Interim Administrator for the last several months. Prior to that, Mr. Geyer h...

Portland Names New Police Chief

City Manager Jon Jennings has chosen Frank Clark to become Portland’s next Police Chief following an extensive search and review process. Clark has been with the South Portland Police Department since 1988, and is currently a Lieutenant. He has ...

Join Us As We Kick Off the Maine Bicentennial in Deering Oaks Park

Governor Janet Mills will join Mayor Strimling, City officials, and members of the Maine Bicentennial Commission to launch the commemoration of the State of Maine bicentennial on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:30 PM in Deering Oaks Park. The Portland event, one of...

EMERGENCY NO PARKING ON PARK AVE AND STATE STREET EXTENSION

In order to allow for Public Works to complete the long-line street painting, there will be no parking on Park Avenue tomorrow night, Thursday, July 25 from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM on Friday, July 26.  This ban affects Park Ave from High Street to...

City Response to Governor Mills' General Assistance Rule Change

Following the City’s update yesterday on its efforts to transition the asylum seekers at the Portland Expo to temporary and long-term housing opportunities, Governor Mills today announced that Maine DHHS is pursuing changes to the eligi...

Update on Phase Two for Asylum Seekers at Portland Expo

The City of Portland continues to house between 200-250 asylum seekers at the Portland Expo, and has processed 350 individuals since June 9. Over the last several weeks, City staff have focused their efforts on finding temporary and long-term housing oppo...

Revaluation Project Update – Apartment and Commercial Property Valuation

This City is currently undergoing a city-wide revaluation of all real property. This effort will culminate in new assessments for all properties for the Fiscal Year 2021 assessment roll.Tyler Technologies, the firm that has been hired to assist in perform...

City to Host Dedication Ceremony for New Shade Structure at Will's Playground on Eastern Prom

The City’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department is pleased to announce that it will hold a dedication ceremony for its newly constructed shade structure on Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 AM. Made possible by a grant from the American Academ...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Intersection of Cumberland and Forest Avenue Utility Construction

NEUCO, the contractor for Unitil’s SURE project, has begun replacement of the gas mains and service lines at the intersection of Cumberland and Forest Avenue. The detour will direct all outbound traffic at Congress to High Street, which will lea...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Pleasant Street, Tuesday, July 2

On Tuesday, July 2, between 6 AM to 5 PM. Paving operations on Pleasant Street from High to Center Street will limited access and no parking for the day. Local traffic will be given access during the closure. The work is being done to finish out the 2017 ...

Pianos in the Squares Returns Friday, June 28

A few of Portland’s well-traveled squares are about to get more colorful and musical with the return of Pianos in the Squares.

Pianos in the Squares is a project of the City’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department, Portland Downtown, and Friends of...

City Announces Update on Asylum Seeker Transition Plan

PORTLAND, Maine -- Ci ty Manager Jon Jennings today announced an update related to the City’s efforts on a transition plan to house asylum seekers. The City is incredibly thankful to those who have offered assistance during this emergency situation. Some ...

Donation & Volunteer Information to Support Asylum Seekers

6/17/19 UPDATE:  For those wishing to volunteer, we thank you. The United Way of Greater Portland has received enough volunteer inquiries at this point, and is busy working to process the volunteer requests. Please wait to receive your volunteer ...

Nine Newest Portland Firefighters Set to Graduate June 29, 2019

 The Portland Fire Department is hosting a Fire Academy Graduation for the nine newest members of the Portland Fire Department. 

The graduates include: 

Austin Cantara of Biddeford, Adam Capponi of Gorham, Bartley Foley of Portlan...

Straw Ban Proposal Discussed at June 19 Committee Meeting

On Wednesday, June 19, the Sustainability and Transportation Committee took up a proposal by Councilor Brian Batson to ban the distribution of plastic beverage straws in the city of Portland. Straws made of non-plastic materials including paper, metal, an...

City Manager Selects Kristen Dow for Health & Human Services Director

City Manager Jon Jennings announced today that his recommendation for the City’s next Health and Human Services Director is Kristen Dow. Dow had been serving as the Interim Director since February. Her selection goes before the full City Council for appro...

The City Honors 13 New Businesses for Being "Age-Friendly"

The Age-Friendly Portland Steering Committee recently launched a new  program to help local business owners become more sensitive to the needs of older customers and received recognition for efforts to make their business more “age-friendly” and ...

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...

Island Shuttle Bus Schedule

The shuttle bus for island residents looking to get between Casco Bay Lines and remote on-street parking on Marginal Way begins June 15 for the summer. To be able to park in these on-street spaces on Marginal Way, you must have an island residential permi...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Pleasant Street, Thursday June 13

On Thursday, June 13, milling operations will close, and detour a portion of Pleasant Street from Park to High Street.  Park Street to High Street will be closed and detoured for half the day, and a portion from High Street to Center Street will ...

Health & Human Services June 11 Meeting will Discuss Community Support Fund

The Portland City Council’s Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will discuss the policies surrounding the Community Support Fund during its June 11 meeting. It is expected that the Committee will vote on a recommendation to forward to ...

Friday, June 21, Grand Trunk Cemetery Public unveiling of interpretive sign by Jack Vreeland

The Friends of the Grand Trunk Cemetery announce the public unveiling of the new interpretive sign, a gift from the City of Portland, with contributions from several donors to the project.A Remembrance Ceremony will precede the Unveiling on Friday afterno...

Absentee Voting Now Underway for June 11 School Budget Referendum Election

In-person absentee voting at City Hall is now underway for the June 11 FY20 School Budget Referendum election. Voting is available during the City Clerk’s office hours -- Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. This is for any resident...

Preble Street Sewer Separation & PWD Water Main Project Phase 2

On May 28, 2019 City sewer separation and PWD water main replacement work on Preble St from Marginal Way to Cumberland will begin with the erection of signs and saw cutting of pavement.

Starting June 3, 2019 Preble St between Marginal Way and Kennebec St. ...

Thames Street Extension Weekend Work Sunday, June 2

On Sunday, June 2, 2019, the City of Portland’s contractor, D&C construction, will be working to install water main as part of the Thames Street Extension project.  The work being completed on Sunday requires a shutdown of the water main syst...

Public Meeting to Discuss Traffic Change at Vannah, Woodford & Clifton Streets

The City of Portland is inviting the public to join the Parks, Recreation and Facilities and Public Works Departments along with the Friends of Woodfords Corner and the Back Cove Neighborhood Association for a public meeting to discuss a traffic change to...

Portland Hosts Water Resources Infrastructure Tour of Back Cove on June 6

On June 6, as part of our celebration of Clean Water Week (June 2 – June 6, 2019), the City in collaboration with the Portland Water District is sponsoring a guided walking tour around Back Cove.  The tour will highlight a few of the ma...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Brighton Avenue Utility Construction

NEUCO, the contractor for Unitil’s SURE project, has begun replacement of the gas mains and service lines in the area of Brighton Ave. Construction starts at Taft Ave and move towards Stevens Ave and will affect neighborhoods in-between as well....

Update: FY20 Municipal Budget Approved by City Council

Update:  The City Council approved the FY20 Municipal Budget during its May 20, 2019 meeting. 

The final FY20 budget includes the following changes from the City Manager's Recommended budget.

• an additional $50,000 for the Community Support...

City Announces Improvements for Island Residents

The City of Portland is announcing today several improvements for island residents in order to assist with parking, transportation, access and boarding of the ferry, and infrastructure improvements near the ferry dock on Peaks Island. These improvements a...

Portland Announces Finalists for Police Chief

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that it has narrowed down its search for a new police chief to three finalists. The candidates were evaluated today by an outside assessment center. The finalists will be invited to be interviewed by several pan...

Woodford Street Sewer Separation Update

The Department of Public Works would like to update you on the status and activities regarding the above referenced project. The contractor, D&C Construction, will be returning to the street in the weeks after Memorial Day to complete their list of it...

Portland One of Two Cities in Maine Selected for Partnership to Increase Resiliency

City of Portland officials announced today the planned unveiling of High-Water Mark (HWM) signs placed across the city to increase awareness of flood risk. The HWM signs emphasize how high the water has risen or could rise during weather related events an...

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 ...

Deering Oaks Park Browntail Moth Infestation Treatment

Portland’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department has been monitoring the condition of oak trees in Deering Oaks Park and is gearing up to take care of a limited infestation of browntail moth. Following the lead of several midcoast commun...

2019 Cruise Season Officially Gets Underway

The 2019 cruise season officially began today with the arrival of the first big cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, with 2,224 passengers and 1,000 crew members. Portland will host two other large cruise ships in May with the arrival of the Grandeur of the S...

Arts-based Community Development Investment for Portland

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter has announced 57 awards totaling $4.1 million supporting projects across the nation through the NEA’s Our Town creative placemaking grant program. Creative Portland, the ...

Portland Police to Participate in Regional Active Shooter Training at Deering High Saturday, May 18

The Portland Police Department will participate in a regional active shooter training at Deering High School, 370 Stevens Avenue, this Saturday, May 18, 2019. Those in the area will see increased activity around Deering High and Longfellow School starting...

City Unveils Parklet Outdoor Dining Options

The City of Portland has unveiled “parklet” outdoor dining options for businesses that do not have the appropriate amount of space on sidewalks or public parks abutting their establishment, but have adequate space for safe outdoor dining in a parking spac...

Towing Alert: Park Avenue Spring Cleaning

Towing will occur tonight & next week for any cars that do not adhere to emergency no parking signs

The Department of Public Works will be performing spring cleaning work along the Park Avenue Separated Bike Lane. Crews will tackle one side tonight and...

Road Closures for Marginal Way Area on May 11

On Saturday, May 11, from 6 AM to 12 PM, the intersection of Preble Street Ext and Marginal Way will be closed. Preble Street Ext between Marginal Way and Somerset Street will be closed May 11 from 12 PM until 5 PM.

Traffic on Elm Street will be able to tu...

Pavement Restriping Program Begins May 6, 2019

Please be advised that street and crosswalk restriping work will begin Monday, May 6, and will continue throughout the spring. Crews will be working the daytime hours to take advantage of the warmer temps so the new paint can dry quicker. Weather is a fac...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Free Street Utility Construction

NEUCO, the contractor for Unitil’s SURE project, will begin replacement of the gas mains and service lines in the area of Free St. on May 6th. Construction will start at Center St. and move towards High St. and is expected to take approximately ...

Age-Friendly Portland Launches New Online Application

The Age-Friendly Portland Committee launched a new voluntary program in 2018 to help local business owners become more sensitive to the needs of older customers and receive recognition for efforts to make their business more “age-friendly&rd...

Employer Forum on Immigrant Workforce Thursday, May 2

The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Portland Office of Economic Opportunity and Catholic Charities Maine are proud to announce a collaborative event “Maine’s Untapped Talent: Our Immigrant Workforce” to be held on Thur...

Memorial Day Parade Information for Monday, May 27

There are two great events happening in Portland on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Morning parade at 10:30 AM from Longfellow Square to Monument Square and afternoon parade at 2:00 PM in Deering Center from the Longfellow School to Evergreen Cemetery in co...

Police Participate in May 11 Gun Give Back Program

The Portland Police Department is excited to participate in a gun give back program on May 11, 2019. The event offers an opportunity for the community to become a safer place by offering people a way to safely dispose of unwanted firearms and ammunition.

&...

Updated Schedule for Finance Committee Review of FY20 Recommended Budget

Over the next several weeks there will be nine additional meetings on the FY20 City and School budgets in addition to the six which have previously been held. At last night's Finance Committee meeting, the Committee was unable to complete discussion on th...

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...

City Manager Presents Recommended FY20 Municipal Budget

Portland City Manager Jon Jennings presented his recommended municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which begins July 1, 2019, to the City Council at its April 8 meeting. The $263.4 million budget results in a 2.9% city-side property tax rate incre...

TRAFFIC ALERT: Danforth Street Utility Construction

NEUCO, the contractor for Unitil’s SURE project, began replacement of the gas mains and service lines in the area of Danforth St. between Vaughan St. and State St. Construction started on April 15^th and is expected to take approximately eight we...

Portland Receives Small Business Friendly Community Award

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that the U.S Conference of Mayors and its Partner America Program selected Portland to receive the Inaugural 2019 Partner America Small Business Friendly Community Award. According to the US Conference of Mayors...

City Manager Selects Heather Brown to Serve as Assistant City Manager

City Manager Jon Jennings is pleased to announce he has selected Heather Brown to serve as the new Assistant City Manager for the City of Portland. The City conducted a search process for an Assistant City Manager to replace Michael Sauschuck, who left to...

Digital Imaging for Revaluation Project Begins Monday, April 8

On Monday, April 8, 2019, the City of Portland will start the street-level digital imagery part of the 2019 Revaluation Project. The City has contracted Tyler Technologies to digitally photograph the exterior of every property in the city and validate add...

Preble Street Extension Closure Set for April 5 -7

The ongoing construction of the Preble Street Sewer Separation project will require the closure of Preble Street Extension from Friday, April 5th at 9 PM through Sunday, April 7 at 9:00 PM. The closure will allow the City’s contractor to install a deep ma...

City Celebrates National Public Health Week April 1 - 7

The City of Portland’s Public Health Department is celebrating National Public Health Week April 1 - 7 and invites the public to join in. 

Help kick off the week by taking a "tour" of Portland’s Public Health Division to see all they hav...

City Hires New Director of Oxford Street Shelter

The City of Portland has hired Sara Fleurant to be its next director of the Oxford Street Shelter. Ms. Fleurant has worked for the City of Portland for nine years now in a variety of roles. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing the adminis...

Portland Jetport to Host Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Forum

The Portland International Jetport and the Housing, Purchasing, and Public Works Departments of the City of Portland are offering an open house and workshop for small area companies interested in becoming a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) on April...

City Selects New Director of IT & New Director of Innovation and Performance Management

City Manager Jon Jennings is pleased to announce that he has selected Hanna Pickering to serve as the next Director of Information Technology and Lena Geraghty to serve as the first Director of Innovation & Performance Management. Ms. Pickering&rs...

Portland Disability Advisory Committee Creates PSAs and Co-Hosts Speaker Series

Members of the Portland Disability Advisory Committee (PDAC) recently created three public service announcements (PSAs) that share their personal insights about living with a disability and challenge many misconceptions about individuals with disabilities...

City Launches "Ask the Zoning Staff" Appointments on Thursdays at City Hall

Starting on March 14, the City of Portland’s Permitting and Inspections Department will offer the opportunity for customers to meet with a Zoning Staff member for 30 minutes to ask questions. Appointments are available from 9 AM to 12 PM every T...

USM Roundabout Public Art Meeting - March 21, 2019

The Portland Public Art Committee (PPAC) announces a public meeting on Thursday, March 21 on the topic of artwork selection for the new roundabout on Brighton Avenue.  The meeting will focus on the art component of the project and will include a ...

Public Health Nurses Host Spanish Story Time for Families with Kids Up to 5 Years Old

The City of Portland Public Health's Maternal and Child Health Nurses are now offering a Story Hour in Spanish at their “Baby Hub" time. This is a free to the public month-long series beginning March 19 on Tuesday afternoons from 2-3 pm at the Reiche...

City Manager Releases Recommendations for FY20 CDBG Allocations

City Manager Jon Jennings released his recommendations to the City Council for FY20 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding today. More information is available on the City's CDBG webpage. The City Council will hold two public hearings r...

City Manager Announces Plans for Police Chief Search

City Manager Jon Jennings today announced that the City will be conducting a national search for its next Police Chief.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications to the city beginning next month and following a review of submissions, selec...

MDOT Hosts Public Meeting to Discuss Veranda Street Bridge Replacement

Please join the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) at a formal public meeting to discuss the replacement of the Veranda Street Bridge, which carries I-295 over Veranda Street. Located 0.24 of a mile northerly of Route 1, Portland.

Representative...

First Public Meeting for Integrated Water Resources Plan to be Held Feb 27

The Portland Department of Public Works Water Resources Division is holding its first public information meeting for the City’s Integrated Water Resources Management Plan on Wednesday, Feb. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the DPW Training Room at...

Police Department's Community Survey Available Until March 8!

The Portland Police department wants to remind residents and business owners that there is still time to complete the community survey launched on January 30. The survey about crime and overall safety in the city will help the Police Department in its cri...

Tyler Technologies to Conduct Property Reassessment for Portland

The City of Portland’s Assessor’s Office has announced that it has retained Tyler Technologies CLT Appraisal Services™ to conduct a multi-year reassessment project for the City of Portland. The project will start in 2019 and ...

India Street STD Clinic Now Offers Online Appointment Scheduling

Patients can now make appointments online for the India Street STD Clinic. Click here to book now. 

Limited appointments are offered on Tuesday afternoons followed by drop-in hours (first come, first serve).

Thursday is now all appointments. If app...

City Issues RFP for Bike Share Program in Portland

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Portland is looking for companies to pilot a bike share program in Portland. The City has issued a Request for Proposals for the design, marketing, operation, and maintenance of a dockless bike share system for...

Inaugural Concert to Showcase Portland's Performing Arts Gems at Merrill Auditorium

Creative Portland and its co-promoters The City of Portland, The Crewe Foundation & David E. Shaw in association with concert sponsors Knack Factory, Coffee by Design, The Press Hotel, Bayside Bowl & State Theatre present HEAR, HERE!  An ...

Park Ave Overnight Parking Restrictions Back in Effect

The City of Portland would like to remind residents that the overnight parking restrictions along Park Avenue for street maintenance have returned now that construction of the bike lane is complete. Signs have been re-installed and Parking Control Officer...

Mayor Strimling Gives Fourth State of the City Address

Mayor Ethan K. Strimling delivered his fourth State of the City address on January 14, 2019 in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The address focused heavily on the city’s strengths and recent successes as well as the policy goals the Mayor would like to s...

Developer Pulls Portland Waterfront Hotel Proposal

The City of Portland announced today that the development team Fisherman’s Wharf Portland, LLC has submitted a request to the Portland Planning Board to amend its current application for a conditional rezoning at 184 Commercial Street. The amend...

Portland Chamber & Office of Economic Opportunity Collaborate on Strategic Plan to Aid New Mainers

The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Portland Office of Economic Opportunity have created a strategic plan to help foster a strong sense of belonging in every aspect of city life and a meaningful inclusion and connectivity between our raciall...

Portland's Disability Advisory Committee to Host Art Exhibition January 7 - 18

The Portland Disability Advisory Committee cordially invites the public to attend Perspectives, an art exhibition composed of work created by The Art Department and Publication Studio at Portland City Hall from...

City Names Waterfront Working Group Members to Address Key Issues During Six-Month Moratorium

Public Input Sought for City's Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

The Portland Department of Public Works Water Resources Division is holding its first public information meeting for the City’s Integrated Water Resources Management Plan on Thursday, January 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the DPW Training Room a...

New Development Impact Fees Go Into Effect December 19, 2018

In November 2018, the Portland City Council voted to adopt an impact fee ordinance for all new development projects. The new rules and regulations go into effect on December 19 and apply to all building permit applications submitted following this date. T...

City Reminds Residents of Winter Storm Operations Information

After getting off to an earlier than usual snow storm season, the City would like to remind residents of winter storm operations information as we head into the new year. The Department of Public Works is ready for the winter storm season, in which they c...

City & ReVision Energy to 'Flip the Switch' on Ocean Avenue Solar Array on December 18

The City of Portland and ReVision Energy will celebrate the completion of the solar array on the Ocean Avenue Landfill on Tuesday, December 18 at 9 AM.  The array, comprised of 2,816 solar panels spread over 4 acres, will produce 1.2 million kilo...

City Wins Record Judgment Against Non-Responsive Landlord

The City of Portland received a decision from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court upholding a record favorable judgment today against a non-responsive landlord in City of Portland v. Sulan Chau. The Law Court upheld the lower court ruling that imposed penalt...

Woodfords Corner Public Art Installed - Join Us for "Tree Lighting" on November 15

The City of Portland and the Portland Public Art Committee would like to invite the public to attend a “tree lighting” ceremony on November 15 to celebrate the installation of new public artwork, Luminous Arbor, by local artist Aaron T...

Portland Parks Conservancy Names Executive Director

The Portland Parks Conservancy is excited to announce that it has named Nan Cumming to serve as its first Executive Director. The Conservancy was launched by Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. in early 2018 to help support the numerous parks, trails, open spac...

Portland Launches Enhanced Mass Notification Solution

The City of Portland officially launched an enhanced version of its mass notification services via www.portlandmaine.gov/stayconnected. The new solution, provided through CivicPlus’ CivicReady system, has significantly improved the way in which ...

Workforce Housing Units in Portland For Sale & Rent

Know someone looking to buy a home in Portland? Did you know the City’s Planning & Urban Development Department works with developers to make some of their new homes priced for average incomes? 

Right now there are three condominium ...

NEW Interactive Map of Evergreen Cemetery

We are excited to offer a new interactive map of Evergreen Cemetery. This interactive map will allow you to search for loved ones and the many famous burials at Evergreen Cemetery. Searching can be done by name, age and other parameters. Click here to acc...

Portland Earns Six Extra Points on Human Rights Campaign's MEI 2018 Scorecard

The City of Portland is proud to announce that it earned six extra points this year on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI), with a total score of 86, the highest score in Maine, and an increase of 11 points since 201...

City Hall Now Accepts US Passport Applications

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that Portland City Hall now accepts passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM t...

Portland Hosts Autonomous Vehicle Public Forum - Join Us September 27 at 5 PM

The City of Portland will host a public forum on Thursday, September 27, 2018 to discuss its pilot project with INRIX, and hear from experts about the deployment of Highly Automated Vehicle (HAV) shuttles on public roads. The forum will be held from 5:00 ...

Report Finds Foreign-Born Residents Contributed $1.2 Billion to Portland-Metro GDP in 2016

Immigrants in the Portland, ME metro area contributed $1.2 billion to the area’s GDP in 2016 and paid $133 million in federal taxes and $62 million in state and local taxes, according to a new report by New American Economy (NAE), in partnership...

City Launches “Ask the Plan Reviewer” Appointments on Tuesdays at City Hall

Starting August 14, the City of Portland's Permitting and Inspections Department will offer the opportunity for customers to meet with a Plan Reviewer for 30 minutes and ask questions. Appointments are available from 9 AM to 12 PM every Tuesday morning. A...

More Community Based Solutions to Prevent Graffiti Available

The City of Portland is excited to announce that it is continuing two popular programs in order to prevent and remove graffiti and encouraging two other new resources. Following up on the effort to paint utility boxes in 2016, five additional utility boxe...

City Bans Plastic Straws in Clock Tower Cafe; Urges Other Businesses to Follow Suit

The City of Portland has made the decision to ban plastic straws from the Clock Tower Cafe, located within City Hall, and is urging other businesses to follow suit. City Manager Jon Jennings made the decision at the July 18 Sustainability & Transporta...

Portland One of Seven to Pilot New INRIX Autonomous Vehicle Platform

The City of Portland is excited to announce it is one of seven cities and groups to pilot INRIX AV Road Rules, a platform that lays the foundation for the city to communicate with operators for safe and effective deployment of Highly Automated Vehicles (H...

Chamber Businesses Give Portland Opportunity Crew a Boost

The City of Portland is excited to announce that several donations have recently been received to support the continuation of the Portland Opportunity Crew, the City’s panhandling-to-work program. The Portland Community Chamber of Commerce has b...

City Unveils Recommendation for Location of New Homeless Services Center

The City of Portland is pleased to unveil the recommendation for the location of a new homeless services center, based on extensive input from staff and the public. The new services center will replace the adult emergency shelter currently located on Oxfo...

Parking in Portland Just Got Easier - Portland Launches Mobile Parking App

Parking in Portland just got easier!

Portland, say hello to the most convenient way to pay for parking – the PassportParking® app! What are the benefits of using PassportParking?

• Pay on the go:
  • Pay quickly and securely with your ph...

City Receives Additional $150,000 in CDBG Funds

City Manager Jon Jennings is pleased to announce that the City received $150,457 in additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding than it expected for FY19. Per Council action from April 18, the City is increasing the following items...

Maine Med to Begin Construction on Visitors Parking Garage Addition; Congress St Detour Begins May 7

 Maine Medical Center, in conjunction with the City of Portland, will detour traffic away from Congress Street between Forest and Weymouth streets for eight weeks starting May 7.

The detour will accommodate a large construction crane needed to add...

City Announces $33,000 Contribution to Housing Trust Fund from Short-Term Rental Registrations

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that it will be contributing almost $33,000 to the Housing Trust Fund from short-term rental registration fees. The Housing Trust Fund is used to fund affordable housing projects throughout the city. This is the...

2018 Cruise Season Officially Gets Underway with Arrival of Artania

The 2018 cruise season officially began today with the arrival of the Artania with 1,200 passengers and more than 500 crew members. Portland will see two other ship visits in April and nine ships in May before really kicking into high gear over the summer...

City Joins Partners to Unveil New Public Space Recycling Containers

On Saturday, April 21, as part of the Green Neighbor Family Fest at Deering High School, City officials and representatives from Recycling Partnership, L.L. Bean, Sappi North America, and Catalyst will unveil new public space recycling containers. These u...

Age-Friendly Portland Launches Business Recognition Program

The Age-Friendly Portland Steering Committee launched a new voluntary program this month to help local business owners become more sensitive to the needs of older customers and receive recognition for efforts to make their business more “age-fri...

City Announces Members of Portland Disability Advisory Committee

The City of Portland is pleased to announce the members of the Portland Disability Advisory Committee (PDAC), which advises the City Manager on issues of importance to people with disabilities and also recommends policies, practices, and legislation in ma...

City Manager Presents Recommended FY19 Municipal Budget to City Council

Portland City Manager Jon Jennings presented his recommended municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19), which begins July 1, 2018, to the City Council at its April 9, 2018 meeting. The $247 million budget results in a 2.6% city-side property tax rate i...

Portland Files Lawsuit in Cumberland County Superior Court Against Opioid Manufacturers

The City of Portland filed a lawsuit today in Cumberland County Superior Court against the manufacturers and distributors of opioid drugs in response to the substantial impact, including the loss of lives, that the opioid epidemic has had on the Portland ...

Live-Streaming of Council Committee Meetings Begins Tuesday, March 6

The City of Portland is excited to announce that it will begin live-streaming broadcasts of all Council Committee meetings starting with the Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, March 6 at 5:30 PM. All live-stream feeds can be found on the City’s we...

City Funds $36,000 Toward Third Oldest African American Meeting Housing in the Country

The City of Portland recently granted $36,000 to the Committee to Restore the Abyssinian Meeting House non-profit toward the restoration project that aims to preserve and revitalize this important part of Maine’s history and the cultural heritag...

City Selects Members for Office of Economic Opportunity Advisory Team

The City recently selected members to serve on the Office of Economic Opportunity’s Advisory Team in order to help guide its direction and core priorities.

The Advisory Team will advise the City and Office of Economic Opportunity on the strategic...

Committee to Discuss Embarking on Collaborative Climate Action Planning Process with South Portland

The City Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee will discuss embarking on a collaborative climate action planning process with the City of South Portland tomorrow night, and will consider recommending an ambitious goal to reduce g...

Congress Square Public Art Project Selected to Receive $30,000 Grant

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu announced more than $25 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding for fiscal year 2018.  The City of Portland, partnering with the Portland Public Art Committee an...

Barron Center Achieves National Recognition as Top Performing Skilled-Nursing Facility

The City of Portland’s Barron Center was recently identified as a top performing skilled nursing facility by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Each year, The ACHCA recognizes top performers with the Eli Pick Facility Le...

Coming to Your Neighborhood: Increased Efficiency and Safety

Starting January 29, 2018, the City of Portland will will begin replacing all of its streetlights with new, energy-efficient LED light fixtures. LED streetlights offer several advantages over older lighting technologies:

• Energy Efficient -- LED lights can ...

City’s Public Health Director Presents Vision to Council’s Health & Human Services Committee

The City’s Public Health Director, Dr. Kolawole Bankole, outlined his vision and goals for the future of the department during last night’s Health & Human Services Committee meeting. Dr. Bankole envisions a responsive public health...

Council Approves Pesticides Ordinance

On Wednesday, January 3, the Portland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides on most City and private property. The ordinance will go into effect for City properties in July 2018 and for private properti...

Mayor Strimling Joins Coalition of 134 Mayors to Launch 10-Minute Walk to a Park Campaign

 Mayor Strimling and the City of Portland’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department has joined The Trust for Public Land, National Recreation and Park Association, and Urban Land Institute in launching an historic “10-mi...

New Digital Parking Citation Management Software Begins September 22

The days of handwriting parking citations are over for the City of Portland. Passport, an industry leader in parking enforcement and citation management software, has launched its citation management platform for the city. The new tickets will begin appea...

Portland One of 25 Communities Selected for Gateways for Growth Challenge Award

The City of Portland is one of 25 communities chosen by the New American Economy and Welcoming America to receive the Gateways for Growth award, which helps local governments, businesses, and civic leaders develop concrete strategies to integrate immigran...

City Joins Forces with Elliotsville Plantation to Create Parks Conservancy

The City of Portland and Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. are pleased to announce their ongoing collaboration to create a conservancy in Portland that supports municipal parks, trails, and open spaces. A six-member steering committee, which includes a repres...

City Begins Urban Forest Inventory in Portland

 Today, the City of Portland and the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program began an urban inventory of trees, green space, and ground cover on public and private land for the greater Portland metropolitan area...