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As we reflect on the end of 2025, we want to highlight several trends emerging at the municipal level. We are seeing towns shrink designated growth zones as a deliberate tactic to slow or curb development. Infrastructure constraints, particularly water and sewer capacity, are increasingly being used to limit new housing. We saw this play out in Yarmouth, and now Gray is grappling with similar challenges related to water services.
At the same time, more municipalities are following Portland’s lead by adopting vacancy taxes that apply to both residential and commercial properties. Finally, we are seeing growing resistance to state-level bills that would expand state authority and limit municipal home rule in the context of housing development, most recently with LD 1829.
Reminder: Rental registry filings were due January 1st for Portland and Falmouth.
Cape Elizabeth
Cumberland
Falmouth
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Short-Term Rental Registration - The online form for registering and renewing short-term rental units for 2026 is open. Register a short-term rental. The deadline to register or renew for 2026 is January 1.
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The Town of Falmouth in partnership with Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), is offering free energy coaching assessments for residents who want to improve the efficiency of their home, more info here
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Latest Falmouth Newsletter here
- Calendar and agendas here
Freeport
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Town approves 51 apartments on the corner of Depot and Mills streets by 2027, covered here by the PPH
- Freeport approved construction of about 93 apartment units between the Varney Heights and The Dash in the coming years
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New Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Council here
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Calendar and agendas here
Gorham
- Sprinkler ordinance in front of the Council in the coming weeks
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Amazon discusses first steps for warehouse in Gorham - Approval likely several months down the road, covered here by the PPH
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Town Council agenda
Gray
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The Gray Town Council held for a workshop focused on LD 1829 - watch here
- Gray water representative expressed there is only capacity for 1000 services
- Talks of growth ordinance
- Next workshop 1/6
- Proposed 400 Lot Subdivision on North Raymond Road
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Village Transformation Project - More info here
- Council meeting schedule here
New Gloucester
North Yarmouth
Portland
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Portland hires consulting firm to review controversial ‘IZ’ ordinance, covered here by the PPH
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December 15, 2025 Portland City Council Meeting Recap here, includes Mayor Dion’s State of the City address
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Portland Planning Board gives green light to Maine’s would-be tallest building, covered here by the PPH
- The 30-story mixed-use tower slated for the city’s historic Old Port received unanimous approval from the board Tuesday night.
- Annual Rental Registrations Due December 31st
- Portland city councilors unanimously approved tougher requirements and higher fees for developers who want to build new hotels in Maine's largest city.
- Under the new policy, developers must provide one unit of income-restricted rental housing for every 19 hotel rooms that are built in Portland, or pay a roughly $9,500 fee into the city's housing trust fund.
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Board & Committee Openings here
- Planning
- Development Corporation
- Rent Board
- Meeting schedule here
Pownal
Scarborough
South Portland
Westbrook
Windham
Yarmouth
Other Local
Other State/National
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