The Portland City Council voted unamimously Monday night to extend the city's Emergency Stay-at-Home order put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order, set to expire Monday, has been extended through May 18. Much of the proclamation incorporates provisions of Gov. Janet Mills' executive order, but councilors passed several amendments specific to Portland, including one designed to help the city deal with the shortage of low-income housing.
Councilor Kim Cook's measure would provide a one-time $1,000 payment to landlords with non-owner occupied short term rental units who register their properties as long term rentals, "and actually rent it to a tenant who is receiving Section 8 or General Assistance vouchers," Cook said.
The lease would have to be for at least a year.
Councilors also approved a provision requiring many workers in Portland, especially those who come into close contact with the public, to wear masks or similar cloth face coverings.
Another amendment aligns Portland's list of essential services with the state's by including construction.
