Ad Hoc Committee — Portland, ME
Date: 2026-05-20
Time: 08:00

City of Portland
CDBG Priority Setting Task Force:
Meeting 3

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM Zoom



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 Priority Setting Task Force 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 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.

https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/84398845920?pwd=x46c5hLRwObPWWhOMlo1oayF2WymV3.1
Passcode:460875
Phone one-tap:
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Join via audio:
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1. Introductions
2. Meeting Minutes from May 6th Meeting
 a. May 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes
3. Presentation by HHS Director, Maggie McLoughlin
4. Decide & Draft Priority Impact Levels
 a. 2026 Priority Activity Ranking
 b. Priority Activities Details & Information
5. Next Meeting: June 3rd, 2026 at 8AM - 10AM
 1
City of Portland Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
CDBG Priority Setting Task Zoom
Force: Meeting 3
6. Adjournment




 2

City of Portland
CDBG Priority Setting Task Force:
Meeting 3

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM Zoom



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 Priority Setting Task Force 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 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.

https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/84398845920?pwd=x46c5hLRwObPWWhOMlo1oayF2WymV3.1
Passcode:460875
Phone one-tap:
+13017158592,,84398845920# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,84398845920# US
Join via audio:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)




1. Introductions
2. Meeting Minutes from May 6th Meeting
 a. May 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes
3. Presentation by HHS Director, Maggie McLoughlin
4. Decide & Draft Priority Impact Levels
 a. 2026 Priority Activity Ranking
 b. Priority Activities Details & Information
5. Next Meeting: June 3rd, 2026 at 8AM - 10AM
 1

 Page 1
City of Portland Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
CDBG Priority Setting Task Zoom
Force: Meeting 3
6. Adjournment




 2

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 Priority Setting Task Force (PSTF) - Meeting Minutes

Meeting Details

  ● Date: May 6, 2025
  ● Facilitator: Cameron George, Compliance Officer
  ● Subject: Task Force Rules, Elections, and Priority Review
The meeting began at approximately 8:04 a.m.

Record of Attendees


 Present Absent

● Cameron George (Compliance Officer) Matt Starr
● Mary Davis (HCD Division Director) Teale Smith
● Laken Chapin (CDBG Program Manager - introduced)
● Barbara Ginley
● Belviga Mpolo
● Carly Lappas
● Christina Bowman
● Colleen Cooper
● Gwendolyne Tuttle-Beaudoin
● Jill Johanning
● Kristen Dunphey (Elected Co-Chair)
● Kyla Wigant
● Miyabi "Abbie" Yamamoto
● Stephanie Miller
● Tae Chong (Elected Chair)




Action Items
PSTF Rules: Motion to approve the rules of conduct and operations for the task force. Action
Taken: Approved unanimously via roll call vote.

Election of Chair: Tae Chong and Teal were nominated for the Chair position. Action Taken:
Tae Chong was elected as Chair by majority vote.

Election of Co-Chair: Stephanie Miller, Kristen Dunphey, and Teal were nominated. Action
Taken: Kristen Dunphey was elected as Co-Chair by majority vote.




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Approval of April 22nd Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Barbara Ginley, seconded by Tae
Chong. Action Taken: Approved unanimously via roll call vote.


Resource Review & Community Survey

HCD Staff facilitated an overview of the “Welcome Packet”, previously sent to PSTF members.
Resources reviewed included:
 ● 2026 City Goals Memo and Slides
 ● 2025 CDBG Policies
 ● 2025 Portland Maine Community Survey Report
 ● Roux Institute Portland Needs Report
 ● 2021 CDBG Priority Setting Task Force Report

Data Gaps Discussed: Members raised concerns regarding a lack of representation from
vulnerable populations (elderly, youth, non-English speakers, disabled, and low-income
individuals).



Review of Community Development Thematic Areas & Priorities

  ● Neighborhood Investments & Infrastructure: Discussed balancing costly global
 infrastructure goals (e.g., ADA compliance) with smaller, high-impact activities (e.g.,
 better street lighting for safety).
  ● Housing Availability: Reviewed current housing goals. It was clarified that CDBG funds
 cannot be used to construct new housing, but rather for adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and
 retention.
  ● Economic Opportunity: Reviewed micro-enterprise assistance, career advancement
 services, and job retention support (e.g., childcare, transportation).
  ● Homelessness: Addressed reducing and preventing homelessness, rapid rehousing, and
 support services for long-term shelter consumers.

Next Meeting Deliverables
  ● PSTF Members will complete the Needs, Goals, Priorities worksheet to inform discussion
 for the next meeting. PSTF Members will submit worksheet to Cameron by Monday, May
 18, 2026.
  ● Gather specific demographic and resource data requested such as (McKinney-Vento
 stats, free/reduced lunch numbers, low-income elder housing locations), and include
 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data from the United Way to
 Cameron for distribution.




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Activity Rankings
Use the Needs,Goals,PriorityDetailed document to assist in completing this document. Use the
survey data, reports, discussions, and the City Council goals to inform your rankings.
Please rank the following activities on a scale of 1 - 5. A “1” represents “Low Priority”, a “3”
represents “Priority” and a “5” represents “High Priority”. There is no limit on how many
activities you rank High Priority, Priority, or Low Priority.
Additionally, you may add or remove activities from this list. If you want an activity added,
include it in the cells that say “Optional Added Activity” at the bottom of each theme; if you
want an activity removed, write “Remove” in the Priority Ranking column. There’s also
additional space at the bottom of the last page to include new activities, rankings, and metrics.
Performance Metrics, or HUD Indicators on the Needs,Goals,PriorityDetailed document, should
also be added. Performance Metrics are considered the units of measurement for each Priority
Activity. For example, Rental Assistance activity could use several performance metrics, like
number of vouchers provided, number of individuals assisted, or total funding provided to
users. Be creative!
Please send your completed sheet to Cameron by Monday, May 18, 2026. We will discuss
priority activities, rankings, and performance metrics on the Wednesday, May 20th meeting.


Neighborhood Investment & Infrastructure

Priority Activity Priority Ranking Performance Metric

Public Infrastructure in Target Neighborhood
Accessibility/ ADA compliance
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Park and Recreation Facilities
Tree Planting
Non-profit Rehab
Community Center
Historic Preservation
Senior Services
Disability Services




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Public Infrastructure Outside of the Target
Neighborhood


Optional: Added Activity


Optional: Added Activity


Optional: Added Activity




Housing Availability

Priority Activity Priority Ranking Performance Metric
Construction of New Housing
(HOME Funds only)
Adaptive Reuse for Housing
Rehabilitation of Existing
housing
Rental Assistance
Environmental testing and
remediation
Energy
Efficiency/weatherization
Fair Housing activities
Heating and Fuel Assistance
Tenant Landlord Counseling
Services
Legal Services
Optional: Added Activity
Optional: Added Activity
Optional: Added Activity




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Economic Opportunity

Priority Activity Priority Ranking Performance Metric
Job Creation
Microenterprise Assistance
Career Advancement Services
(Education, Job Training, GED
Attainment, ESL)
Job Retention Support Services
(Childcare vouchers, Housing
Counseling, Transportation
Assistance)
Façade Improvements
Financial stability services
(budgeting, financial planning, tax
preparation)


Optional: Added Activity


Optional: Added Activity


Optional: Added Activity




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Addressing the Needs of the Growing Homeless Population

Priority Activity Priority Ranking Performance Metric
Food Assistance
Shelter Services
Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse Services
Housing and Housing Services
for Long Term Shelter
Consumers
Emergency Services to
Prevent Homelessness
Rental Assistance
At Risk Youth Services
Optional: Added Activity
Optional: Added Activity
Optional: Added Activity


Please include any other priorities you think should be added or moved within these 4 need
categories. Include the suggestion, suggested category, and performance metric.




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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




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  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.




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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




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● 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




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 ○ 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




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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




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