GPBR Legislative Updates 

July 2025 Local Policy Tracking   

Summer may be slowing things down, but there’s still plenty happening in our communities!

Portland - City Council candidates must declare by the end of this month, and all eyes are on who will jump into the race. Meanwhile, the Council voted last week to spend nearly $13 million to purchase three vacant lots, officially closing the book on the long-stalled MidTown Project.

Bigger ADUs in Cape Elizabeth - Homeowners now have more flexibility! The town has increased the maximum size for accessory dwelling units from 800 to 1,200 square feet, opening the door to more housing options.

Cumberland Clears the Way for New Homes - Preliminary plans for 72 single-family homes have won council approval, signaling more housing growth on the horizon.

Gorham Gears Up for the Connector Study - MaineDOT is conducting a corridor study that could revive the long-debated Gorham Connector, while the Town Council also greenlit a new three-story USM art building.

Do you attend council meetings? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Advocacy@greaterportlandrealtors.com

Cape Elizabeth

• At the July 14, 2025, Town Council meeting, the council voted 5-2 in favor of approving Item #78-2025 Supplemental LD 2003 Amendments and adjusting the maximum ADU size to 1,200 sq. ft.Voters also approved zoning amendments in the town center
• See Amendments here
• Town Manager’s Report here
• Town Council and Planning Board agendas. 
• Meeting calendar here.

Cumberland

• Preliminary plans for Cumberland subdivision get green light - 72 single family homes in West Cumberland, covered here by the PPH.
• Current Construction Project info here.

Falmouth 

• Balance of growth and preservation at core of Yarmouth, Falmouth comp plan updates, covered here by the PPH 
• Falmouth Focus here
• Falmouth Vision and Values Final Report here 
• Housing Affordability in Falmouth here
• Current Bids and RFPs Falmouth here
• Calendar and agendas here.

Freeport

• Proposed amendments to Town of Freeport Ordinances Chapter 21 – Zoning Ordinance, Section 413 (Village Commercial “VC-1”) regarding an increase to the building height allowed for certain areas along Depot Street be adopted - See amendments here
• Nomination Papers for Town Elected Positions Available, July 28th for elected positions to be voted on November 4, 2025. More info here 
• Calendar and agendas here

Gorham

• Three-story University of Southern Maine art building receives Gorham approval, covered here by the PPH 
• Gorham turnpike connector plans dormant, but not dead, covered here by the PPH
• The Town of Gorham has announced the 2025 Capital Expenditure (“CapEx”) matching grant program to support Gorham businesses and farms seeking to expand and grow through a one-time purchase of a capital item, service or site expansion project. More Info here
• Town Council Updates here 
• Town Council agendas

Gray

• 'Urgency and hope': Avesta unveils new housing in Gray for median earners, covered here by MaineBiz
• Town Council Convenes on July 29 for Discussion About Revised FY26 Budget, More info here
• Transformation Project website here
• Council meeting schedule here

New Gloucester 

• The Town of New Gloucester has contracted with the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) for Planning Department Assistance until a permanent Town Planner is hired. 
• Council meeting schedule here

North Yarmouth 

• Comprehensive Plan Proposed changes to Land Use here. 
• Meeting and agenda here.

Portland 

• Portland to pay $15M to move on from failed Midtown housing project, covered here by the PPH
• Portland’s proposed commercial vacancy ordinance gets pushback in City Hall meeting, covered here by MaineBiz
• 2 controversial housing projects in Greater Portland headed to auction, covered here by the PPH
• With Midtown project legal battle over, Portland mulls future for Bayside lots, covered here by the PPH
• Portland to pay $15M to move on from failed Midtown housing project, covered here by the PPH 
• Maine just took a historic step toward housing for all | Opinion, covered here by the PPH
• New report shines light on wage needs and housing crisis in Maine, covered here bt WGME
• Public comment on proposed concert venue moratorium in Portland delayed until August, covered here by the PPH
• Meeting schedule here

Pownal 

• Pownal Annual Town Report here
• Pownal Election Information here 
• Meeting calendar here

Scarborough 

• Scarborough affordable housing project potentially dead in water - The Town Council voted to reject a Credit Enhancement Agreement for a 50-unit affordable housing project for seniors 55 and older, covered here by the PPH 
• Summer Council Committee Updates, More info here 
• July Newsletter here
• House Goal Here 
• Scarborough Flood Vulnerability Assessment here
• Town Council agendas. 
• Planning Board agendas. 

South Portland 

• South Portland Greenbelt section reopens as housing development debuts, covered here by the PPH
• Latest Newsletter here
• South Portland’s 2024 Annual Report here
• Production versus Permits 23/24 here.
• 2025 Work Plan here.
• City Announces Changes to Improve Development Review and Permitting, changes covered here
• Current South Portland building projects here.
• South Portland City Council and Planning Board agenda

Westbrook

• Nomination Papers Available for Council Seats Available, More info here
• Meeting and events calendar.

Windham

• Windham July Newsletter here
• Meeting calendar here.

Yarmouth 

• Balance of growth and preservation at core of Yarmouth, Falmouth comp plan updates, covered here by the PPH 
• Yarmouth looking at implementing Tree ordinance - Next meeting July 28 -Tree Advisory Committee & Info here
• Push back from residents on tax increase - Visit FB Group One Yarmouth here
• Meeting calendar here

Other State/National

• New Maine law requires municipalities to collect and report housing projects data annually, covered here by News Center Maine
• Maine developer of affordable, energy-efficient homes will ramp up, covered here by MaineBiz
• Rent hikes hit Maine mobile home parks before new state protection takes effect, covered here by WGME
• Roadmap eyes future solutions as Maine grapples with housing needs, covered here by News Center 
• A surge of Maine developments seek to meet increasing demand for 55+, covered here my MaineBiz
• Community Voices: What affordable housing means. And what it can and can’t achieve, covered here by the PPH