Ad Hoc Committee

City of Portland CDBG Priority Setting Task Force: Meeting 4 Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email CDBG@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the CDBG PSTF meeting to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below). REMOTE ACCESS INFORMATION: The CDBG Priority Setting Task Force (PSTF) will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom pursuant to the Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the CDBG PSTF. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting. For public comment via Zoom, you will need to use the "raise your hand" feature. To raise your hand via the telephone, please hit *9. You will be unmuted by the host when it is time for public comment. You are invited to a Zoom webinar! When: Jun 3, 2026 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Jun 3, 2026 08:00 AM Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/84398845920?pwd=x46c5hLRwObPWWhOMlo1oayF2WymV3.1 Passcode:460875 Phone one-tap: +13017158592,,84398845920# US (Washington DC) Join via audio: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Webinar ID: 843 9884 5920 International numbers available: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/u/kb2QvOXTUl 1. Welcome and Roll Call Review and Accept Minutes of CDBG Priority Setting Task Force meeting held May 20, 2. 2026 1 Page 1 City of Portland Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM CDBG Priority Setting Task Force: Meeting 4 a. Meeting Minutes from May 20th Meeting 3. Agenda Overview & Meeting Goals 4. Overview of Needs, Goals, Priority Activities a. 2022 - 2026 Needs, Goals, Priorities Table b. Detailed Needs, Goals, Priority Activities 5. Review Goals & Draft Priority Activities a. Neighborhood Investment & Infrastructure b. Housing Availability c. Economic Opportunity d. Address the Needs for Growing Homeless Population 6. Next Meeting: June 17, 2026 2 Page 2 Priority Setting Task Force (Meeting #3) Minutes Topic: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Priority Activities & HHS Presentation Guest Speaker: Maggie McLoughlin, Director of Health and Human Services (HHS), City of Portland Attendees ●​ Chair: Tae Chong ●​ Co-Chair: Kristen Dunphey ●​ City Staff: Cameron George(HCD), Laken Chapin (CDBG Program Manager), Mary Davis (HCD Division Director) ●​ Committee Members: Teale Smith, Carly Lappas, Miyabi (Abby) Yamamoto, Jill Johanning, Matt Starr, Christina Bowman, Stephanie Miller, Barbara Ginley, Kyla Wigant, Colleen Cooper, Belviga Mpolo, Carly Lappas Actions Taken ●​ Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Miyabi Yamamoto and seconded to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. ●​ Vote: The motion passed unanimously, with an abstention from Teale Smith, who was absent from the previous meeting. Major Discussion Points 1. Health and Human Services (HHS) Presentation Maggie McLoughlin provided an overview of the HHS Department, specifically focusing on homelessness in Portland. ●​ System Overview ●​ Scale of the Issue ●​ Inflow vs. Outflow ●​ Transformational Funding ●​ CDBG Importance 2. Review of CDBG Priority Activities & Goals Cameron introduced the agenda to review the 57 priority activities under the four main CDBG goals and discussed the average scores generated from the committee's homework. ●​ Debate on Process: Several committee members expressed concern about getting bogged down in scoring 57 specific activities without first defining the overarching goals. ●​ Aligning Activities with Goals: Members suggested that the committee should first reach a consensus on what they ultimately want to achieve within the four primary goals Page 3  to ensure the chosen activities are truly transformative. ●​ The Four CDBG Goals: Mary Davis clarified the four established local goals: 1.​ Neighborhood Investment and Infrastructure: Create strong, safe, accessible, and vibrant neighborhoods. 2.​ Housing Availability: Increase housing availability and affordability. 3.​ Economic Opportunity: Create economic opportunities to transition people out of poverty. 4.​ Addressing Homelessness: Prevent and reduce homelessness. ●​ Flexibility and Reporting: The priority activities correspond to HUD's strict reporting categories, the task force has full authority to adjust the local goal language, application scoring, and how activities are prioritized. Next Steps ●​ Goal Review: HCD staff will provide the committee with their suggested language updates to the four main goals. ●​ Next Meeting Focus: The next meeting will focus on reviewing the overarching goals and determining which activities best align with and meet those goals. Page 4  NEED GOAL PRIORITY IMPACT LEVEL Neighborhood Investment & Infrastructure: Create strong, safe, accessible and vibrant Including but not limited to (in neighborhoods: alphabetical order, not in order of Description: Public safety and mobility are key components to priority): improving the livelihood of Portland neighborhoods. There is a Description: Invest in infrastructure to improve significant need to build neighborhood sidewalks where none exist, neighborhood assets and build strong, safe, HIGH PRIORITY improve ADA compliance, and increase access to alternative accessible and vibrant neighborhoods. ●​Accessibility/ADA compliance modes of transportation. Additionally, there is a need to increase Improve accessibility and livability through ●​Alternative modes of transportation resident’s ability to remain or become active and engaged age-friendly designs and ADA compliance. Build ●​Community policing members of their neighborhoods through community based sidewalks and trails to improve connectivity, increase the use of bicycles as a mode of ●​Park and Recreation Facilities services and programs. transportation, and redevelop streetscapes to ●​Public infrastructure in create shared streets for cars, bikes, and targeted neighborhoods Basis for Relative priority: In 2019 & 2020, the Portland City Council identified four goals that identified this need: 1) 15 buses pedestrians that integrate with the fabric of the neighborhood. Support programs that increase PRIORITY for 15 minutes: Add 15 buses to our fleet allowing us to reduce safety in neighborhoods for residents and visitors. ●​Community centers and peak hour wait times to an hour to 15 minutes. 2) Light Hybrid rail engagement programs to the eastern waterfront: install hybrid electric rail cars to come Invest in programs and services that address the ●​Disability Services into Portland’s eastern waterfront to reduce traffic. 3) Implement specific needs of members of the community. ●​Non-profit rehab a plan for installation of solar arrays. 4) Increase public transit Encourage programs that build a sense of ●​Public infrastructure outside of infrastructure and capacity in the City. The 2030 Comprehensive plan lists the following strategy: Full Service City: 2. Provide inclusiveness, safety, and security within targeted neighborhood services to all residents. Operate City facilities and services in an individual neighborhoods. ●​Senior Services efficient and effective manner that is responsive to all segments ●​Tree planting of the community. Resource: City of Portland 2019 & 2020 City Council Common Goals. and the 2030 City of Portland Comprehensive Plan ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UPDATED 10.05.2021 Page 5  NEED GOAL PRIORITY IMPACT LEVEL Housing Availability: Increase housing availability & affordability: Including but not limited to (in alphabetical order, not in order of priority): Description: In the 2019 Housing report, it was reported Description: Increase housing availability and that Portland has an affordability gap of $255,796. In affordability to all Portland residents HIGH PRIORITY addition, there is a lack of affordable rental housing regardless of income, race, ethnicity, and ●​Adaptive reuse for housing within Portland’s housing supply. The City Council family size. Encourage housing development ●​Construction of new housing (HOME funds continues to make housing availability and affordability by removing barriers to traditional urban only) their goal. housing types while ensuring the inclusion of ●​Housing Retention workforce and age-friendly housing in ●​Housing Start up Assistance Basis for Relative priority: In 2019 & 2020, the Portland significant development projects. ●​Rehabilitation of existing housing City Council identified the following goal to address this need: Increase access to rental and home ownership that is safe, affordable, and accessible. PRIORITY ●​Environmental testing and remediation Resources: ●​Energy efficiency/weatherization 2030 Workforce Housing Demand Study ●​Fair housing activities 2019 City of Portland Housing Committee, Interim Housing ●​Heating and fuel assistance Report ●​Legal services Tenant/landlord counseling services 2019 & 2020 City Council Common Goals. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UPDATED 10.05.2021 Page 6  NEED Goal PRIORITY IMPACT LEVEL Economic Opportunity: Create economic opportunities to transition people out of Including but not limited to (in poverty: alphabetical order, not in order of Description: Portland has a well-developed employment priority): support system with many established providers. However, the Description: Invest in Portland businesses to enable them to system is fragmented, providers work in silos, there is expand to create jobs. Invest in persons wanting to create insufficient funding to cover needs of potential workers, and microenterprises. Engage job seekers in a continuum of HIGH PRIORITY career planning and financial stability are often prioritized less services to increase their professional capacity, financial ●​Career advancement services than job placement. Employment retention support is scarce stability, and ability to maintain employment. Focus on ●​Education and turnover results in economic uncertainty for employees difficult to employ populations including homeless, new ●​Job training and higher costs for employers. Americans and single parent head of households. Combine resources and build partnerships between public and private ●​GED attainment entities to provide opportunities to transition Portland ●​ESL Basis for Relative priority: In 2019 & 2020, the Portland City residents out of poverty to sustainable employment and ●​Job Council identified the following goal: Promote Economic financial stability. Creation Development in the City in a manner that provides for ●​Job retention support services increased property values, diversification across industry ●​Childcare vouchers sectors and high paying jobs. Specifically, as it relates to HUD programming and objectives, the Council further ●​Housing counseling identified the need to advance work on the “Minority and ●​Transportation assistance Women-owned ●​Microenterprise Assistance Business Development Initiative” and secure City Council approval to invest CDBG funds in workforce development. Resources: Portland Economic Development Vision and Plan Portland Community Chamber of Commerce: Portland’s Economic Scorecard 2014-2015 Muskie School of Public Service: The State of Infant Pre-K Childcare in Portland, Maine 2015 GPCOG 2014-2018 Economic Development Action Plan ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UPDATED 10.05.2021 Page 7  NEED GOAL PRIORITY IMPACT LEVEL Address the Needs for Growing Homeless Population: Prevent and Reduce Homelessness: Including but not limited to (in alphabetical order, not in order of priority): Description: The shelter system in Portland is beyond capacity. Staff and local organizations struggle to deal with overflow Description: Prevent individuals and HIGH PRIORITY strategies to meet increasing need. Data from 2019 showed families from becoming homeless and ●​Behavioral Health Services that 79% of the shelter consumers were new consumers, the entering into the shelter system. Rapidly ●​Emergency services to prevent average length of stay at the shelter is under 60 days. rehouse those who enter the shelter homelessness Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing are key system. Provide necessary resources to ●​Food Assistance components to help reduce shelter usage and homelessness. assist vulnerable populations transition ●​Housing and Housing Services for long- term Additionally increased case management is needed for those out of homelessness, including housing shelter consumers who have mental illness and substance abuse issues to help opportunities for chronically homeless or ●​Housing Startup Services them navigate the service delivery system. long-term stayers at homeless shelters. ●​Shelter services Basis for Relative priority: In 2019 & 2020 the Portland City PRIORITY Council identified the goal: Continue the effort to reduce ●​At risk youth services homelessness, assist people experiencing homelessness through City, Regional, and State efforts. Resource: 2020 City Council Common Goals 20Health and Human Services Shelter Report ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UPDATED 10.05.2021 Page 8 This document serves to clarify the HUD Indicators, Portland’s Goals, and Priority Impact Level activities. The definitions for “High Priority” and “Priority” activities are found in the CDBG Matrix Code Definitions. Need: Neighborhood Investment & Infrastructure: Description: Public safety and mobility are key components to improving the livelihood of Portland neighborhoods. There is a significant need to build neighborhood sidewalks where none exist, improve ADA compliance, and increase access to alternative modes of transportation. Additionally, there is a need to increase resident’s ability to remain or become active and engaged members of their neighborhoods through community based services and programs. Goal: Create strong, safe, accessible and vibrant neighborhoods: Description: Invest in infrastructure to improve neighborhood assets and build strong, safe, accessible and vibrant neighborhoods. Improve accessibility and livability through age-friendly designs and ADA compliance. Build sidewalks and trails to improve connectivity, increase the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation, and redevelop streetscapes to create shared streets for cars, bikes, and pedestrians that integrate with the fabric of the neighborhood. Support programs that increase safety in neighborhoods for residents and visitors. Relevant HUD Indicators The relevant HUD indicators for the Neighborhood Investment and Infrastructure Need are as follows. The measurements used to determine program outcomes, also known as metrics, for the indicators are sub-bulleted: ● Public Facilities or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Public Service Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Facade Treatment or business building rehabilitation. ○ Metric: Businesses Assisted ● Homeless Persons Overnight Shelter ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Overnight/Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds Added ○ Metric: Beds ● Buildings Demolished ○ Metric: Buildings Priority Impact Descriptions High Priority ● Accessibility/ADA compliance - Increasing accessibility for mobility impaired individuals. Using ramps instead of stairs, fixing & smoothing out sidewalks, providing different opportunities for differently abled bodies. ● Alternative modes of transportation ● Park and Recreation Facilities - Development of open space areas or facilities intended primarily for recreational use. ● Public infrastructure in targeted neighborhoods - Investing and constructing public Page 9  infrastructure, such as sidewalks, street improvements, or parks in targeted neighborhoods. Priority ● Community centers and engagement programs - Funding activities like community outreach programs, non-profits providing neighborhood services like childcare, playgrounds or community centers. ● Disability Services - Providing services for individuals with disabilities, such as transportation services ● Non-profit rehab - Providing non-profits with funding that improves the quality or scope of services, such as non-profits using funding to purchase a new food refrigerator. ● Public infrastructure outside of targeted neighborhoods - Investing and constructing public infrastructure, such as sidewalks, street improvements, or parks outside of targeted neighborhoods. ● Senior Services - Providing services for elderly, such as transportation, home healthcare, or specialized counseling ● Tree planting - Activities limited to tree planting, such as sidewalk or streetscape improvements. Page 10 Need: Housing Availability Description: In the 2019 Housing report, it was reported that Portland has an affordability gap of $255,796. In addition, there is a lack of affordable rental housing within Portland’s housing supply. The City Council continues to make housing availability and affordability their goal. Goal: Increase housing availability & affordability: Description: Increase housing availability and affordability to all Portland residents regardless of income, race, ethnicity, and family size. Encourage housing development by removing barriers to traditional urban housing types while ensuring the inclusion of workforce and age-friendly housing in significant development projects. Relevant HUD Indicators The relevant HUD indicators for the Housing Availability are as follows. The measurements used to determine outcomes, also known as metrics, for the indicators are sub-bulleted: ● Public Facilities or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Households Assisted ● Public Service Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Households Assisted ● Brownfield Acres Remediated. ○ Metric: Acre ● Rental Units Constructed ○ Metric: Household Housing Unit ● Rental Units Rehabilitated ○ Metric: Household Housing Unit ● Buildings Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers ○ Metric: Households Assisted ● Tenant-based Rental Assistance/Rapid Rehousing ○ Metric: Households Assisted ● Buildings Demolished ○ Metric: Buildings High Priority ● Adaptive reuse for housing - Reusing buildings that may have previously been industrial or commercial and turning them into housing or providing a mix of housing. ● Construction of new housing (HOME funds only) - CDBG funds cannot be used to build new housing. ● Housing Retention ● Housing Start up Assistance ● Rehabilitation of existing housing Priority ● Environmental testing and remediation Page 11 ● Energy efficiency/weatherization - Activities that promote energy efficiency methods like improving insulation to facilitate less energy use. Housing rehabilitation with the primary intent of improving energy efficiency. ● Fair housing activities - Activities that provide certain rights and protections for persons with disabilities, including persons with mental and physical disabilities. The law also requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities in policies, procedures and programs and allow reasonable changes so that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their housing and related facilities. ● Heating and fuel assistance - Activities that provide assistance to heating or fuel. ● Legal services Tenant/landlord counseling services - Services providing legal aid to low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons. Funds can also be used to provide counseling to help prevent or settle disputes between tenants and landlords Need: Economic Opportunity Description: Portland has a well-developed employment support system with many established providers. However, the system is fragmented, providers work in silos, there is insufficient funding to cover needs of potential workers, and career planning and financial stability are often prioritized less than job placement. Employment retention support is scarce and turnover results in economic uncertainty for employees and higher costs for employers. Goal: Create economic opportunities to transition people out of poverty Description: Invest in Portland businesses to enable them to expand to create jobs. Invest in persons wanting to create microenterprises. Engage job seekers in a continuum of services to increase their professional capacity, financial stability, and ability to maintain employment. Focus on difficult to employ populations including homeless, new Americans and single parent head of households. Combine resources and build partnerships between public and private entities to provide opportunities to transition Portland residents out of poverty to sustainable employment and financial stability. Relevant HUD Indicators The relevant HUD indicators for the Housing Availability are as follows. The measurements used to determine outcomes, also known as metrics, for the indicators are sub-bulleted: ● Public Facilities or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Public Service Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Homeless Persons Overnight Shelter ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Homeless Prevention ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Rental Units Rehabilitated Page 12  ○ Metric: Household Housing Unit ● Jobs Created/Retained ○ Metric: Jobs ● Businesses Assisted ○ Metric: Businesses Assisted High Priority ● Career advancement services - Assistance to increase self-sufficiency, including literacy, independent living skills, resume writing, job coaching, “how to get and keep a job” training, or training students in a particular field on skill when there is no tie to a specific position or business. ● Education ● Job training ● GED attainment ● ESL ● Job Creation ● Job retention support services ● Childcare vouchers ● Housing counseling ● Transportation assistance ● Microenterprise Assistance - Financial assistance, technical assistance, or general support services to owners and developers of microenterprises. A microenterprise is a business with five or fewer employees, including the owner(s) Need: Address the Needs for Growing Homeless Population Description: The shelter system in Portland is beyond capacity. Staff and local organizations struggle to deal with overflow strategies to meet increasing need. Data from 2019 showed that 79% of the shelter consumers were new consumers, the average length of stay at the shelter is under 60 days. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing are key components to help reduce shelter usage and homelessness. Additionally increased case management is needed for those who have mental illness and substance abuse issues to help them navigate the service delivery system. Goal: Prevent and Reduce Homelessness Description: Prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and entering into the shelter system. Rapidly rehouse those who enter the shelter system. Provide necessary resources to assist vulnerable populations transition out of homelessness, including housing opportunities for chronically homeless or long-term stayers at homeless shelters. Relevant HUD Indicators The relevant HUD indicators for the Addressing the Needs for the Growing Homeless Population are as follows. The measurements used to determine outcomes, also known as metrics, for the Page 13 indicators are sub-bulleted: ● Public Service Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Homeless Persons Overnight Shelter ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Overnight/Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds Added ○ Metric: Beds ● Homeless Prevention ○ Metric: Persons Assisted ● Housing for Homeless Added ○ Metric: Household Housing Unit HIGH PRIORITY ● Behavioral Health Services - Services addressing the behavioral health needs of residents of the community. ● Emergency services to prevent homelessness ● Food Assistance ● Housing and Housing Services for long- term shelter consumers ● Housing Startup Services ● Shelter services - Acquisition, construction, conversion of buildings, or rehabilitation of temporary shelters and transitional housing for the homeless, including victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, disaster victims, runaway children, drug offenders, and parolees. PRIORITY ● At risk youth services Page 14