Category: Uncategorized

Portland’s rent control ordinance, enacted by referendum in 2020 and amended by referendum in 2022, is again on the ballot for amendment by popular vote this June. How does the ordinance work now, and what is being proposed? How does it compare to the pending rent control ordinance in South Portland, or with other cities? What do experts say about rent control, and who stands to benefit?

Erica Snyder-Drummond reports on the council meeting of March 20th, a marathon session featuring an extended debate on the proposed rent control referendum in June, procedural adjustments to the citizen’s initiative process, and signs towards referendum reform.

A new series from local horticulturalist Gavin Boyce-Ratliff, join the Townsman for some much-needed serenity in preparation for the spring gardening season.

Erica Snyder-Drummond reports on the council meeting of March 6th, featuring a contentious sale of city-owned land for a new office building, a date set for the hearing on June’s rent control referendum, and a unionization row at Shalom House.

Erica Snyder-Drummond reports on the council meeting of February 27th, featuring the approval of the city’s purchasing a new park in North Deering, details of the ongoing influx of asylum seekers into Portland, and the coordinated brigade of right-wing trolls that targeted the meeting.

The history, policy, and philosophy of urban annexation in Maine.

Debt, Death, and Disaster – The Many Lives of the Maine-Nova Scotia Ferry

1993-2023 in Portland, Maine

An Interview with Nathaniel Ferguson, Candidate for City Council, District 3