Portland – Page 2 – Kate Sykes for District Five

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.

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

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

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 Constituents Download