Welcome to the District Five Insider, a newsletter about the big decisions making their way through the City Council, what they mean for District Five, and how you can get involved. Follow to subscribe, and receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Tuesday October 22, 2024

One Big Thing: Balancing Public Health and Community Concerns

Last night, the City Council made an important decision to protect public health while acknowledging the valid concerns of our residents regarding needle waste.

The Council voted not to move forward with Mayor Dion’s resolution to implement a restrictive 1:1 needle exchange ratio. While the intention behind the proposal was to address concerns about improperly discarded needles, this proposal would have undermined the successful work of Portland’s harm reduction programs, making it harder for people who use drugs to access clean syringes and increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.

Instead, we took a step forward by appropriating $936,479 in opioid settlement funds to three critical public health programs:

  1. Syringe Redemption Program – This innovative buy-back pilot, which has been successful in other communities, will encourage the return of used syringes, helping to reduce needle waste across the city.
  2. On-Peninsula Methadone Treatment Program – Bringing treatment closer to those in need, making it more accessible for Portland’s residents struggling with opioid addiction.
  3. Day Space for Unhoused Residents – A safe, supportive environment where people can access essential services, including harm reduction resources.

These programs will strengthen our city’s harm reduction efforts, keep our streets safer, and help those suffering from opioid use disorder get the treatment they need. By rejecting a harmful 1:1 exchange policy, we ensure that Portland remains a compassionate, effective leader in public health.

Two More Quick Hits:

1. Portland’s Green New Deal in Action

At the meeting, we received the Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Report from Sustainability Director Troy Moon. This annual report highlights Portland’s progress in transitioning to green building technologies, demonstrating how our Green New Deal is improving environmental outcomes while also ensuring economic equity.

Notable projects like Portland Commons and The Casco have been developed without reliance on fossil fuels, setting a new standard for sustainable construction in our city. These projects show that it’s possible to balance development with strong environmental and social standards.

It’s critical that we defend these gains against efforts to roll back inclusionary zoning protections, which ensure that Portland remains affordable for all its residents. By aligning climate action with housing equity, our Green New Deal is a model for progressive cities across the country, and we will continue pushing forward to protect both our environment and our community’s affordability​.

2. Kiwanis Pool Project Funded and Approved

Great news for our community! The Council passed a $5.63 million appropriation to fund the Kiwanis Pool replacement project. This funding comes from a mix of $4.63 million in interest income earned from the city’s investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and an anticipated $1 million in private donations. These funds will ensure we move forward with modernizing the pool, which will include ADA accessibility improvements, making it a welcoming and inclusive facility for all Portland residents. After delays due to higher-than-expected costs, we have secured the necessary resources to get the project back on track​.

Save the Date: District 5 Community Meeting

I’m excited to invite you to our next District 5 in-person meeting!

  • Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Casco Bay High School Great Space

Stay tuned for more details. This will be a chance to connect, discuss local issues, and make your voice heard. I look forward to seeing you there!

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

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