March 23, 2022

Dear Portlanders,

We're back in Chambers! Monday's City Council Meeting was a Hybrid meeting - allowing people to attend  in person, or via Zoom. As anticipated, the majority of attendees continued to engage by way of remote access, while the Council, senior staff, and about fifteen community members attended in person. Not all technology upgrades are complete (think: supply chain delays...). That said, the meeting went smoothly. In person and remote participation was accommodated. And, there has been a lot of positive feedback about the flexibility of the hybrid meeting option. Thanks to everyone for hard work, patience, and good humor as we continue to make our way toward a new, responsive normal. 

Major issues to follow these days are:
1) the FY23 Capital Improvement Program was approved unanimously on 3/21;
2) the Second Public Hearing for the FY23 CDBG programming/funding will be on 4/11 prior to final Council final action;
3) the Charter Commission continues its work - their preliminary report will come to the Council on May 9th, and their Final Report will be submitted to the Council on July 11th;
4) the Portland Public Schools FY23 Budget process is underway, and the first Joint City Council + School Board meeting will be this Thursday, 3/24 at 5pm via Zoom;
5) the City Manager will submit her FY23 City of Portland Budget Recommendation to the Council on April 11th;
6) the Legislature continues its work in Augusta, and this being the "short session" we expect to see that work, including the budget, wrap by end of April;
7) the City Council's Search Committee continues to work toward hiring both a City Manager as well as a City Clerk - please access meeting information on the City's Agenda Center.

Please join me on Monday to talk about anything on your mind:
Topic: Mayor's Monthly Zoom
Time: Mar 28, 2022 04:00 - 5:00PM 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/86230592459?pwd=eWtOd00rb2daMERnYzdEQ3E1NUJsZz0

Please see below for general information regarding access to City Updates, and City Council work:

City Council Meetings: 

The Portland City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. In the case of a Monday holiday, we typically meet the next Wednesday. In the case of school vacation weeks, we typically push the meeting by a week. Agendas and Info, go here.

The next City Council meeting is Monday, April 11th at 5pm.

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