Portland

City officials are considering the creation of an Encampment Task Force to ensure coordinated outreach for campers, but say the lack of housing in Portland may require their relocation to other communities in Maine.

City councilors in Portland have agreed on the rules for a municipal clean elections program that was approved by a local charter commission last year.

The city of Portland says it must remove an encampment of about 200 unhoused people and clean up the site, but has nowhere for the campers to go.

Landlords, property managers and developers are behind a referendum drive to eliminate a 5% limit on rent increases when a tenant voluntarily moves or the unit changes hands.

The Portland City Council is mulling potential changes to the city's referendum process.

After years of planning and debate, a new homeless shelter was unveiled in the outskirts of Portland Wednesday. The 208-bed Homeless Services Center will provide meals, day space, outside space, and wraparound services such as medical, dental, and psychiatric care.

The plans call for the construction of about 200 affordable and 600 market-rate housing units in seven new buildings in Portland's Bayside neighborhood.

The program was approved by voters last fall, following the recommendation of a local charter commission.

Immigrant advocates in Maine quickly pushed back on that idea. But a spokesperson for the city of Portland said the city is supportive of the Senator's efforts.

The proposal, brought forth the Rental Housing Alliance, would allow landlords in Portland to raise rent by an unlimited amount if a tenant moves or an apartment changes hands.