Tag Archives: Kate Sykes

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Wednesday May 7, 2025

ONE BIG THING: Council Agrees to Public Workshop on Rent Control Enforcement

At Monday’s City Council meeting, we heard directly from the Portland Tenants Union and community members about rent control enforcement. Their audit of March rental listings suggests staggering noncompliance: over 60% of advertised units appear to be in violation of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. That includes units not registered, listed at unlawful rents, or inaccurately reported in the City’s own public data. In response, the Council will convene a public workshop in June to examine the findings. This will be a chance for the public, City departments, and our Rent Board to come together and workshop our enforcement infrastructure with transparency and accountability.

Why It Matters: Rent control is not optional—it’s the law. And it is an indispensable tool for keeping people housed at a time when federal and state cuts are slashing Portland’s capacity to respond to the housing crisis.

What Comes Next: The workshop on June 9th will include presentations from Permitting & Inspections, Corporation Counsel, PTU, and the Rent Board. I am pushing to ensure this becomes not just a data presentation, but a collaborative reset that re-centers tenants as key stakeholders in policy enforcement.

Two More Quick Hits:

Hotel Moratorium Extended

The Council voted to extend the moratorium on new hotel development to allow time for revisions to the Hotel Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. The current linkage fee of $4,831 per room vastly underestimates the public cost. New data shows it may be as high as $13,700 per room. This pause gives us space to align hotel growth with Portland’s housing needs and labor market realities.

UNE Overlay Zone Vote Coming May 19: What’s at Stake

The proposed Institutional Overlay Zone (IOZ) for the University of New England is headed for a final Council vote this month. This zoning change would consolidate UNE’s control over approximately 72 acres in Deering Center, permitting by-right, tax-exempt development across the site. While UNE has outlined future growth plans, the current proposal raises serious concerns:

  • Erosion of the Tax Base: The rezoning could green-light future removal of multiple parcels from Portland’s property tax rolls. No fiscal impact assessment has been provided to offset this loss. The public would continue to fund municipal services—like police, fire, and infrastructure—without a clear return from UNE.
  • Lack of Public Benefit Agreement: Unlike similar proposals in Portland and other cities, there is no community benefits package attached to this rezoning. UNE cites clinical programs like “Give Kids A Smile” as community benefits, but these are primarily student training opportunities. Real benefits require community input and enforceable commitments.
  • Environmental Risk to Capisic Brook: The site borders Capisic Brook—an Urban Impaired Stream and one of Portland’s most sensitive ecological corridors. While UNE has indicated an intent to conserve some land, there are no binding protections or enforceable buffers to ensure long-term watershed health.

As currently written, this overlay zone would enable institutional expansion without clear protections for Portland’s fiscal sustainability or its natural environment. I’m working to ensure the Council addresses these gaps so our neighborhoods, tax base, and ecological assets are not left behind.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Saturday May 3, 2025

ONE BIG THING: Trolley Park Ribbon Cutting & Community Cleanup

On Tuesday, May 14th at 4 PM, we’ll cut the ribbon on Portland’s newest community gem: the Trolley Park Bike Skills Park. This new space reflects our shared commitment to outdoor recreation, youth empowerment, and neighborhood vibrancy. Please join us to celebrate!

And don’t miss today’s community trash pickup at 10 AM in Trolley Park. Meet in the parking lot by the sign at 822 Riverside Street. Supplies will be provided by the City and Coffee and donuts will be on hand to fuel the good work.

What Happened: The Trolley Park Skills Park has been years in the making, designed in collaboration with community partners and youth advocates. Simultaneously, this morning’s cleanup effort brings volunteers together to care for one of our most visible public spaces.

Why It Matters: Whether it’s a park opening or a trash pickup, these moments highlight the power of direct civic action. They also speak to our broader efforts to create spaces—both literal and metaphorical—where everyone belongs and feels safe.

What Comes Next: We are actively investing in more spaces like Trolley Park, and strengthening our Public Works partnerships for regular community-driven cleanup events.

VACANCY ORDINANCE: Monument Square and Beyond

The Housing and Economic Development Committee (HEDC) is currently reviewing a proposed commercial vacancy ordinance aimed at bringing more life to empty storefronts downtown. This ordinance specifically targets properties within the Pedestrian Activities District, including Monument Square, with a focus on bringing in more art installations, local partnerships, and economic revitalization​.

What Happened: Concerns about safety and disinvestment in Monument Square have grown louder in recent months. The vacancy ordinance is a thoughtful policy response: rather than criminalizing poverty, it seeks to activate unused spaces and bring beauty and foot traffic back into our public squares.

Why It Matters: Trump’s attacks on Maine, weren’t just rhetorical—they were economic. His stance toward Canada, including reckless tariffs and insults aimed at one of our closest neighbors and trading partners, directly harm Maine industries, including our tourism economy here in Portland. Fewer visitors means poverty and homeless are more visible in our public spaces. This ordinance gives us a way to balance compassion and revitalization, helping businesses thrive, while standing firm on public safety and community standards.

What Comes Next: Pending HEDC endorsement, the ordinance will proceed to the Planning Board, and ultimately the City Council, for review and possible adoption.

Rural-Urban Division Is a Distraction: Let’s Build Solidarity in Our Strengths

There’s something I hear more often than I’d like to admit: “Augusta hates Portland.” I was recently told by a fellow elected official that when Portland testifies in support of a bill at the State House, it can actually hurt the bill’s chances. Legislators from other regions don’t want what Portland wants—not because the policy is wrong, but because we are asking for it.

Let that sink in.

Some would rather see Portland lose than Maine win. And I have to ask: how does that serve any of us?

What We Know:
Portland is not just a city—it’s a statewide engine. We generate significant sales and cannabis tax revenues that help fund programs in every corner of Maine. Our hospitals, universities, and shelters serve residents far beyond city limits. We provide public health programs, housing, and cultural experiences that benefit the whole state.

But Here’s the Truth:
We also rely on rural Maine. We depend on rural labor, natural resources, food systems, and outdoor spaces. When people come to Portland, they’re not just coming for the cobblestones and the lobster rolls—they’re coming for the authenticity of Maine, which includes its farms, forests, fisheries, and families spread across every region.

Why It Matters:
A house divided cannot stand. When we tear each other down, no one wins. We cannot afford to treat Portland’s policy work as toxic, simply because it originates here. Every time we pit rural and urban needs against one another, we miss the chance to build coalitions that could actually deliver results—from affordable housing, to healthcare, to clean energy.

What Comes Next:
Let’s change the conversation. Let’s speak with appreciation for what our rural partners bring to the table and with pride in what Portland offers the state. If we want a strong Maine, we need every region at the table—celebrated, not scapegoated. We need to get back to basics: shared values, shared vision, and shared victories.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Tuesday April 15, 2025

ONE BIG THING: Portland Adopts Vision Zero

Last night, the Council took a major step toward protecting all Portlanders by unanimously passing the Vision Zero resolution, a commitment to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2045. This is a victory for anyone who walks, bikes, rides the bus, or simply crosses the street in our city.

What Happened

The Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the Greater Portland Council of Governments’ Vision Zero Action Plan. The plan prioritizes safety over speed; people over cars; and acknowledges that traffic deaths are preventable, not inevitable. It commits us to redesigning dangerous corridors, using crash data to target investments, and coordinating across departments to ensure every Portlander—regardless of age, income, ability, or neighborhood—can get around safely.

Why It Matters

We’ve seen a high number of recent pedestrian deaths in Portland—a tragic toll that reflects a transportation system designed for speed and convenience, not for human life. And let’s face it: the risks don’t fall on everyone equally. The less money you have, the more likely you are to walk, bike, or ride the bus. And the less protected you are in those modes, the higher your risk of injury or death. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a policy failure.

This resolution matters for the working-class people of Portland—for kids walking to school, for elders crossing Stevens Avenue, for transit riders navigating Forest Avenue before sunrise.

I’ve heard from many Portlanders who are ready for this change, including Erik in Deering Center:

“Our family gets around Portland by walking, biking, car and bus, and strongly supports Vision Zero… For me personally this means that my kids and I should be able to find a safe walking and biking route to any destination in the City.”

What Comes Next

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will now begin work on a local implementation plan, identifying high-risk intersections, prioritizing low-speed street redesigns, and ensuring that vulnerable users are protected. Community members can and should stay involved to ensure this work keeps moving.

The Budget Crisis and the Cost of Disinvestment

Last night, the City Manager submitted her FY26 budget proposal to the Council, which includes a 6.2% citywide tax increase, driven largely by the state’s refusal to fully reimburse us for General Assistance (GA) and shelter beds. These are services that Portland provides not only for our residents, but for people from across the region. We’ve built the Homeless Services Center (HSC)—a facility unmatched anywhere else in Maine—to meet a crisis head-on, with compassion and coordination. But now the state is walking away from its share of the cost.

Meanwhile, Cumberland County has not funded jail-based addiction treatment at the level we need it to, leaving our police and our community with no clear path from crisis to recovery. Officers arrest people in crisis only to see them back on the street days later, still suffering—not because anyone failed to do their job, but because the system stops short of care. That’s not on our police. That’s a failure of county investment.

The impacts of this disinvestment ripple far beyond GA. When we’re forced to fill the state’s gap, it comes out of our core services, like public safety, youth programs, parks and street repair. Already, we are falling behind regionally on police and fire department salaries, losing workers to neighboring towns, and watching morale decline. These are the broader costs of austerity that don’t make headlines.

A budget is not just a spreadsheet. It’s a statement about what kind of city we’re being asked to become—and who’s being asked to sacrifice. There will be opportunities to organize and push back. For now, let’s name the truth: Portland has stepped up again and again to do what’s right. But we cannot keep doing it alone.

HEDC Meets Tonight on Workers’ Rights and Housing Justice

The Housing and Economic Development Committee meets tonight to discuss a series of proposals that could reshape housing and labor protections in Portland:

  • Minimum Wage Referendum: A proposal to let voters decide whether to raise the minimum wage for Portland workers. With the cost of living soaring, a real living wage is a critical tool to prevent homelessness and economic displacement.
  • Hotel Inclusionary Zoning: A long-overdue policy revision to ensure hotel developments deliver affordable housing for their workforce—not just more corporate profits.
  • Vacancy Ordinance: A proposal to require owners of empty storefronts to register and maintain them, making it harder for speculators to sit on housing stock while people sleep outside.

PET OF THE WEEK: Meet Archie

We had a very special guest at last night’s meeting: Nine-week-old Archie, the Portland Police Department’s new comfort dog, stopped by City Hall and instantly became a crowd favorite.

Archie is part of a growing effort to bring trauma-informed practices into public safety. He’s here to support community members and first responders alike—and remind us all that a little softness can go a long way.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Tuesday March 18, 2025

One Big (HUGE!) Thing: City Council Approves Social Housing Task Force

Last night, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to establish a Mayoral Task Force to study and recommend a public-led social housing program, a decisive and historic step toward building Portland’s future.

For me, this moment is deeply meaningful. When I ran for City Council in 2023, social housing was the central plank of my campaign platform. I heard from residents across the district who called for bold solutions to the housing crisis, and who understood that relying solely on private development and non-profits wasn’t enough to meet the scale of our need. Now, after a year of steady groundwork, we are moving forward.

Why This Matters

The truth is, Portland has very little power to control how much affordable housing actually gets built. In the past four years, the City Council has approved 16 applications for affordable housing developments using public subsidies. Only three of those projects have made it to construction, and just two have opened their doors. The rest are still waiting in line, often for years, for MaineHousing to fund them.

City staff and councilors spend significant meeting and staff time, and public resources and tax dollars reviewing and underwriting these applications, only for many to fall through due to delays, waitlists, and spiraling construction costs. This is not a criticism of the developers themselves; many are doing their best under a broken system, but we must recognize that this system is failing us.

That is why we need public leadership in housing. Social housing gives us the power to build at scale, to address the “missing middle,” to ensure long-term affordability, and to steward public funds more efficiently by keeping the value of what we build in the hands of the people. Social Housing is just like owning a home versus renting one: when you own, every dollar you invest in maintenance, improvements, or paying down the mortgage builds equity that stays with you and your family. When you rent, that value flows to someone else.

Right now, we are effectively renting housing from Wall Street, pouring public money into a system that transfers value to banks and corporate investors. With social housing, the public owns the asset, and the value it generates, which can be reinvested into more housing and stronger communities.

What’s Next

The Social Housing Task Force will begin its work as soon as members are appointed. The application process will move quickly and will follow the same process used to appoint members to city boards and committees, beginning with the City Clerk’s Office and landing on the agenda of the Legislative and Nominating Committee.

We are looking for residents from all walks of life who want to help shape Portland’s housing future. Members of the public will be chosen to represent backgrounds in housing development, architecture, public finance, labor, climate policy, legal services, and community advocacy. Per Councilor April Fournier’s amendment, which passed unanimously last night, the task force will also include at least two members from underserved populations with lived experience navigating Portland’s housing market. Seats will also include: two City Councilors; a representative from the Planning Board; a member of the Economic Development Committee; city staff with expertise in housing, finance, and planning.

This is an exciting opportunity for residents to engage in transformational work to help envision and design the kind of housing system that can support a thriving economy, a strong labor market, and a more equitable Portland for generations to come.

Portland First: The City Maine Needs to Lead

As Maine’s largest city, Portland has a responsibility to build the bulk of the housing our state desperately needs. We have the infrastructure, public services, transit, and walkability to support smart, sustainable growth. If we don’t build here, growth will spill into surrounding towns, leading to sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation—outcomes that make life harder for everyone.

The data is stark: Since 1970, Portland’s population has grown just 5%, while Cumberland County has grown 61%. If Portland had kept pace, we would be over 100,000 people today. Instead, growth has leapfrogged us, pushing working families and young people out of the city and straining our region’s resources.

Social housing gives us the tools to reverse this trend. By building the housing Portland needs—right here, where the infrastructure already exists—we can help protect Maine’s natural resources from sprawl and overdevelopment. Portland has always been the heart of Maine’s economy; by growing responsibly and equitably, we can support the entire state while preserving the landscapes and communities that make Maine special.

Let’s Build It Together

This is a moment for optimism and action. Portland’s spirit is captured in one word: Resurgam, “I shall rise again,” which is cast into the metalwork of the gates at City Hall, a lasting symbol of our city’s resilience after the Great Fire of 1866.

We are a city that knows how to rebuild, not just from fire, but from every challenge we’ve faced. We know the value of hard work, collective effort, and laying a strong foundation for future generations. Social housing is our opportunity to carry that legacy forward, to build not just homes, but a stronger, fairer city where everyone can thrive.

The task force application process will begin soon, and I’ll be keeping residents updated on its progress through this newsletter. If you’re interested in applying or want to learn more, reach out anytime. This is your chance to help shape Portland’s housing future, one that complements our zoning reforms, supports a strong labor market, and brings us into a new era of prosperity, livability, and resilience.

If you’re interested in applying, or if you have questions, reach out to me anytime. I’m happy to talk about the process and what the task force will entail.

You can also read more about social housing in my article for Pine and Roses.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Monday February 24, 2025

Recent Pedestrian Fatality in District 5

I am deeply saddened to learn of another tragic pedestrian fatality in District 5. My heart goes out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. I also extend my compassion to the driver involved, who must now carry the emotional weight of this tragedy.

This latest incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to improve safety on Portland’s streets. For too long, traffic crashes have been viewed as unavoidable accidents—tragic but inevitable. But we know that’s not true. Traffic fatalities are preventable, and there is so much we can do to create safer streets for everyone. This is the core principle of Vision Zero: the belief that no loss of life on our roads is acceptable and that through better street design, safer speeds, and equitable enforcement, we can eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.

As your District 5 Councilor, I am committed to advancing this mission. The Sustainability and Transportation Committee is working to develop a Vision Zero Action Plan that will identify high-risk areas, implement targeted safety improvements, and hold us accountable for measurable progress. We will align our local efforts with the Greater Portland Council of Governments’ regional Vision Zero initiative, ensuring that safety improvements are coordinated and effective.

The time for action is now. We must accelerate improvements to dangerous corridors like Forest Avenue and Riverside Street, strengthen collaboration with the Maine Department of Transportation, and empower our community with the tools and knowledge to make safer choices. Portland has the resources, partnerships, and determination to prevent these tragedies. We owe it to every resident to create a city where everyone—whether walking, biking, or driving—can move safely and confidently.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

The District Five Insider is 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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Tuesday January 28, 2025

Portland Deserves a Fair Tax System—Here’s How We Get There

Last night, the City Council held a sobering discussion about the challenges facing Portland’s FY26 budget. Proposed state budget cuts to General Assistance (GA) and shelter funding will force millions of dollars in costs onto Portland taxpayers. Without meaningful support from the state, these shortfalls will disproportionately hit Portland’s seniors, low-wage workers, and middle-income families—the very people already squeezed by the high cost of living, stagnant wages, and decades of policies that prioritize profits over people. As the largest regional provider of emergency shelter, Portland is shouldering the burden of Maine’s housing and homelessness crises. Our regressive property tax system only makes matters worse, forcing those least able to pay to subsidize the consequences of these systemic failures.

The Problem with Property Taxes

Portland’s property tax system levies the same rate regardless of income or ability to pay. For wealthy property owners, this tax is an inconvenience; for low-to-moderate-income families, it can be devastating. Wealthier residents benefit from rising property values, while renters and homeowners on fixed incomes often see their housing costs skyrocket, driving displacement and economic insecurity.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen little movement on state-level tax reforms to address this inequity, though Maine Municipal Association, which advocates for municipalities on issues, is pushing hard for relief through its legislative platform. Proposed bills to increase state reimbursement for General Assistance and homestead exemptions could provide some relief to property taxpayers, but Portland needs a solution that works for us today.

A Local Solution: Expand P-STEP

Portland’s Senior Tax Equity Program (P-STEP) provides property tax rebates to low-income seniors, including renters. It’s a vital but underutilized program, with just 322 participants last year. Compare that to the over 6,000 Portland residents who received the state’s Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC), and it’s clear we’re leaving relief on the table.

Expanding P-STEP offers a pathway to fairer taxation while addressing our budget challenges. Here’s how:

  • Improved Outreach: Many eligible seniors, especially renters, aren’t aware of P-STEP. Better outreach targeting renters directly could dramatically increase participation.
  • Phased Expansion: Over time, we can amend P-STEP to include all income-eligible residents, not just seniors. This expansion would effectively create a local progressive tax system, where rebates offset the tax burden for those least able to pay.

By ensuring 100% uptake of P-STEP and gradually broadening its scope, we can build a fairer, more sustainable tax system while protecting Portland’s most vulnerable residents.

Expanding P-STEP isn’t just about tax fairness, it’s about standing up to a system that prioritizes profits over people. It’s about saying “no” to austerity and “yes” to investing in our community. It’s about making sure seniors can age in place, families can afford groceries, and our city’s future is not at the mercy of regressive tax structures.

State-Level Advocacy: Join the Conversation

The challenges we face require bold solutions. Expanding P-STEP is one way Portland can lead the way on local tax reform, but we also need to continue advocating for state-level changes to bring more fairness and equity to Maine’s tax system.

Portland’s Legislative delegation and the City Council’s Legislative and Nominating Committee, on which I sit, are actively working to address tax fairness at the state level. We’re engaging with our state leaders to push for reforms that could provide much-needed relief for property taxpayers, including increasing state reimbursement for General Assistance and expanding support for our schools.

I encourage constituents to tune into our upcoming conversation with legislative leaders this Friday morning. These discussions are critical for advocating for the state-level support Portland needs, and your input matters.

Together, we can build a city where no one is forced to carry more than their fair share.

Send me an email and let me know your thoughts on this approach and how we can work together to ensure that fair taxation remains a top priority for Portland.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Sunday January 26, 2025

2024 Annual Report to Constituents

Dear Neighbors,

Serving as your District 5 City Councilor this past year has been an incredible journey. As I reflect on my first year in office, I’m proud to share my 2024 Annual Report with you—a detailed look at the progress we’ve made together and the foundation we’ve laid for the work ahead.

This year, we focused on the issues that matter most to working families: housing affordability, public safety, and protecting the commons. From reforming short-term rental regulations to creating pathways for permanent, affordable housing, we’ve taken meaningful steps to address Portland’s housing crisis. At the same time, we invested in public spaces—revitalizing Riverton Pool, expanding trails at Evergreen Cemetery, and supporting programs at the Burbank Library to ensure safe, welcoming spaces for all residents.

But 2024 wasn’t without its challenges. The homelessness and opioid crises remain pressing issues, requiring solutions rooted in compassion and evidence based public health policy. We’ve fought to defend Portland’s public health initiatives, and introduced a syringe redemption program and expanded housing and treatment access, while calling on county and state leaders to step up and share the responsibility. Local taxpayers cannot shoulder this burden alone, and we must continue to push for the resources needed to sustain these life-saving programs.

At the same time, Portland’s traffic safety crisis demands urgent action. Fatal crashes and unsafe corridors like Forest Avenue highlight the need for systemic improvements to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in how we design and manage our streets, prioritizing safety and equity for all residents.

In this report, you’ll find updates on key initiatives and the progress we’ve made, from investing in traffic safety and climate resilience to supporting our public workers. These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration between residents, city staff, and community partners.

Thank you for your advocacy and engagement this year. What we focus on will grow, and I’m excited for the work ahead as we continue building a Portland where everyone can thrive.

2024 Annual Report to ConstituentsDownload

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Wednesday November 27, 2024

Defending Portland’s Green New Deal: Building a City That Works for Everyone

Portland’s Green New Deal (GND) is a bold initiative passed by voters in 2020 to tackle the housing crisis, advance environmental sustainability, and protect workers’ rights. At its core is a commitment to equity through inclusionary zoning, which ensures that new developments contribute to affordable housing. Yet, as predictable as the tides, some developers and business groups have criticized this policy, claiming it hinders progress. Let’s break down why these critiques miss the mark—and why the GND is essential for Portland’s future.

The Case for Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning requires that developments with 10 or more units dedicate 25% to affordable housing, or contribute a fee to Portland’s Housing Trust Fund. Critics claim this discourages development, but since the GND’s enactment in 2020, Portland has approved and built more affordable housing units. Developers like Tom Landry argue that without these requirements, they “could have” built more. The question is, more of what?

Would it be more luxury condos with sky-high price tags that working families can’t afford? More second and third homes for the wealthy, that sit empty for half the year, while the people who make Portland run day-to-day are forced out of the city? The idea that simply building more market-rate housing will solve the housing crisis ignores reality. For years, we had development focused on high-end units, with the promise that affordability would eventually follow. It didn’t. Portland deserves better than the fantasy of “trickle-down” housing.

Incentives Aren’t the Problem

Some critics suggest that developers need more incentives to build affordable housing. Let’s be honest: the profit margins on luxury condos and high-end apartments are already incentive enough. Developers aren’t charities—they build where they can maximize returns. Inclusionary zoning makes them consider community impact. The suggestion from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce to reverse these requirements rests on a flawed assumption: that developers will voluntarily create affordable housing. History has shown otherwise. Without regulations, the market skews toward high-end projects, leaving working families behind.

Addressing Hotels vs. Housing

Some critics have pointed out the imbalance in how Portland incentivizes hotels over housing, and they are right to do so. However, this issue is not an indictment of the Green New Deal itself. Hotel inclusionary zoning was never part of the GND and has not been updated to meet the higher standards set by it. The disparity lies in the fact that hotel impact fees remain much lower than those applied to residential developments, which creates an uneven playing field and encourages hotel construction over housing. The six-month hotel moratorium that Councilor Ali and I championed gives the Council the time to address this gap and align our policies to prioritize housing development.

Raising the Standards

Before the Green New Deal, Portland’s outdated building codes allowed developers to cut corners, producing cheaply constructed, energy-inefficient buildings. These homes burden working families with high heating bills and worsen our city’s carbon footprint. The GND changed that, mandating modern energy efficiency standards and better materials. These standards save families money, reduce emissions, and ensure new buildings align with Portland’s commitment to sustainability. Developers lament these additional costs, but we must ask: Who pays the price for substandard construction? It’s not them—it’s us.

A Nuanced Approach to Development

Critics who call for the GND to be repealed entirely reflect a reactionary stance rather than a constructive one. Sweeping statements like these overlook the nuance required to address Portland’s housing crisis. Portland’s growth is not a zero-sum game; thoughtful adjustments to the GND and complementary efforts like my proposal for a Mayoral Task Force on Social Housing, which will come before the Housing and Economic Development Committee in early 2025, can help us achieve a balanced, equitable, and sustainable city.

Rejecting False Choices

The media loves to frame these debates as “regulation versus growth” or “affordability versus progress.” But these false choices oversimplify a complex issue. The GND isn’t about choosing between housing or sustainability, between development or fairness—it’s about creating a system that balances these priorities.

Policies like inclusionary zoning, ReCode’s upzoning for density, and social housing aren’t competing solutions; they’re complementary tools in addressing Portland’s housing needs. By embracing nuance and rejecting black-and-white narratives, we can develop solutions that reflect the complexity of the challenges we face.

Defending Portland’s Vision

Make no mistake: a fight is coming. The champions of corporate greed are eyeing 2025 as the year to dismantle the Green New Deal. But they’ll have to contend with me—and with everyone who believes in a Portland that works for all of us. Now is not the time to turn back or abandon a framework that has already made real progress. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a sustainable and equitable city. It’s up to all of us to protect that vision and keep building toward it.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

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. Enter your email and click subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox.

Friday November 8, 2024

Building Community Power: Small Steps Toward a Stronger, United Portland

As we step into a new chapter after the 2024 election, Portland has an incredible opportunity to lead the way with a municipal green labor movement. With new labor allies Wes Pelletier and Ben Grant on the City Council, and with steadfast Portland representatives like Grayson Lookner elected to the state legislature, we’re uniquely positioned to make big gains for working people, to shape a future in Portland that values both workers and the environment.

The timing is crucial. With new zoning regulations adopted through ReCode this week, Portland is on the brink of a building boom that will bring a surge of jobs and an infusion of workers into our economy. Our strong environmental and regulatory standards mean that what we build in Portland will be sustainable, setting a precedent for what a green economy can look like. This is more than just growth; it’s an investment in a future where we prioritize both economic stability and environmental responsibility.

While national party politics distract with culture wars, leaving working people feeling desperate and hollow when promises aren’t kept, the labor movement remains rooted in solidarity and progress. We’re not interested in fighting symbolic battles. We’re here to organize around real, tangible improvements for Portland workers—better wages, safer work environments, and a sustainable more livable urban landscape.

Even against national headwinds, our unions have proven that standing together matters. Union-backed candidates and tireless organizers helped advance the pro-labor majority in the Maine Legislature. This shows that collective action brings real change and that Portland is primed to lead. Every workplace we organize, every fair contract we secure, and every sustainable building we construct strengthens our community.

Let’s harness this momentum by setting aside the divisions of identity politics and focusing on what truly unites us. Let’s listen to the real needs of our neighbors, and do the work to foster a community where everyone feels valued.

Start small: attend the District 5 neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Casco Bay High School. Child care will be provided to make sure everyone can participate. Bring your ideas, strike up conversations with neighbors, and listen to their concerns without judgment. Take part in local events that celebrate Portland’s progress, like the Pumpkin-Cycle at Payson Park tomorrow, Sat. 11/9 from 10AM-1PM. Bring your slumpin’ pumpkins to compost them! Last year you helped us divert 3,000 lbs of pumpkin waste from the landfill. This year we’ll have a smashing pumpkins section, and the Eighty-8 Donut truck will be there to sweeten the deal.

Every step we take in building a sustainable, fair economy brings us closer to a Portland where we all have a stake in the future. By focusing on what unites us, we can build a Portland where everyone feels heard and valued.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.

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 November 5, 2024

One Big Win for Portland: ReCode Unanimously Passes

In last night’s Portland City Council meeting, we reached a monumental milestone with the unanimous passing of ReCode, Portland’s comprehensive zoning overhaul. This is a big win for our community, marking a significant step forward in creating a Portland that balances growth with the needs of all residents.

Two essential amendments were introduced to ensure ReCode respects Portland’s historic, cultural, and Indigenous heritage through a more inclusive lens. The first amendment broadens preservation standards to recognize and protect sites with Indigenous and historically marginalized significance, integrating an anti-racist approach that shifts focus beyond merely architectural aesthetics, ensuring that new developments consider and honor Portland’s diverse histories. A second amendment introduced a Certificate of Economic Hardship, aimed at supporting property owners—particularly those in historically significant yet economically vulnerable areas—by offering a pathway to preservation without imposing unsustainable financial burdens. This approach ensures our growth is both culturally respectful and equitable​​​.

Two More Quick Hits:

Prioritizing Working-Class Neighborhoods

In a major stand for Riverton, I advocated to hold back on extensive upzoning that could risk the affordability of housing in this naturally affordable, working-class neighborhood. Riverton provides critical housing options for middle- and working-class families—homes that, while priced between $300,000 and $500,000, remain more accessible than market-rate rentals or condos. Protecting Riverton from unrestricted development without affordability safeguards helps shield residents from potential displacement and gentrification​​.

While maintaining protections for Riverton, we passed an amendment to streamline the permitting process within Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones, placing greater emphasis on areas well-supported by infrastructure like sidewalks and public transportation. This strategic focus aligns with Portland’s goals of directing growth to areas where it will be most efficient and sustainable.

Hotel Moratorium Passed Alongside ReCode

To complement ReCode’s focus on housing, we also passed a 180-day hotel moratorium to redirect resources and land toward residential development. Since 2019, hotel projects have created hundreds of jobs that often pay wages insufficient for workers to afford housing here in Portland. Our current policies have fallen short in ensuring that these projects contribute adequately to affordable housing. This moratorium will allow us the time needed to review and strengthen our inclusionary zoning requirements for hotels, so we can better meet the housing needs of our community.

Your Vote Matters Today!

Today is a crucial day for Portland’s future. I endorse Jess Falero and Grayson Lookner for the At-Large City Council seat. Additionally, I encourage a NO vote on Question A to protect workers’ pay and a YES vote on Question B to establish stricter regulations on short-term rentals to protect Portland’s housing stock and keep our city affordable.

Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For details on polling locations, visit the Portland City Clerk’s website.

Thank you for being an engaged part of our city’s progress! Together, we’re building a Portland that values its history, protects working-class communities, and embraces sustainable growth.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

Notice: Under Maine law, documents – including e-mails and text messages – in the possession of public officials or city employees about government business may be classified as public records. There are very few exceptions. As a result, please be advised that what is written in a text message or e-mail could be released to the public and/or the media if requested.