The city has about $3 billion worth of property owned by entities such as churches and colleges that do not pay property taxes.
Grace Benninghoff
Staff Writer
Grace covers city hall and Greater Portland for the Press Herald. She previously covered reproductive health for Texas Monthly and served as the local host of All Things Considered at Vermont Public. Before moving to Maine, Grace attended Columbia Journalism School in New York City and spent many years in Colorado and Oregon working in the non-profit sector. When she isn't reporting you can find her trail-running with her dog Loma, practicing her Spanish, surfing, or making pottery.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland to spend $4 million on harbor dredging project
The project aims to clear sediment that has built up along working waterfronts in Portland and South Portland.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Group launches petition to limit Portland’s hazard pay law
The change, if it gets on the ballot and is approved by voters in November, would mean hazard pay in the city would only take effect if Portland itself declared a state of emergency, regardless of what the state does.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education
Roux Institute approved to build campus at former B&M Baked Beans site
Portland’s planning board approved construction of the graduate school and research center in East Deering, but concerns about traffic remain.
Posted inLocal & State, Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Planning Board takes first look at Sea Dogs’ proposal for new clubhouse
The changes at Hadlock Field are aimed to comply with facility requirements for Minor League Baseball teams.
Posted inLocal & State
Facing the devastation of its ash trees, Portland aims to diversify tree species
The emerald ash borer is likely to kill 500 of the city’s 600 ash trees in 5 years. While the city is working to cut them down to stop the spread, it is planting a variety of new trees to prevent another mass wipeout.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland city staff seek feedback on ReCode zoning changes ahead of votes
A series of open houses and workshops this week is allowing the public a chance to offer suggestions before the proposed zoning changes go to the planning board and City Council.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Portland City Council approves $276 million municipal budget
The budget passed on a unanimous vote after an amendment to add library funding changed the overall tax-rate increase for fiscal year 2025 from 4.9% – the rate that came out of the finance committee – to 5%.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Tax hikes, parking changes on the table as Portland City Council considers budget
Monday night’s vote will either enshrine the budget for fiscal year 2025 or send it back to the finance committee for further review.
Posted inAnimals, Local & State, News
Animal control in Portland is a one-woman show
Ruthann Weist single-handedly runs the division within the Portland Police Department. She sees everything from unleashed dogs to squirrels stuck in chimneys to, occasionally, dolphin recoveries.