ROCKLAND — MaineHousing and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) are asking residents around the state to share their feelings about how these agencies are doing, what they are not doing, and how they can be better partners.

They will host one of their Community Development Listening Forums, Thursday, June 27, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers, with the intention of fostering open conversation.

The purpose of the meetings is twofold, according to a news release:

 We are preparing the 5 year consolidated plan required by HUD in order to continue receiving federal funding, and;

 More importantly, we are asking for input into a more extensive State of Housing assessment. MaineHousing and DECD will share some data and demographics of interest to Maine Communities and service providers. The balance of the forums will be for attendees to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. Our intention is to listen and bring back your ideas for increasing our effectiveness in your communities and for informing the development of the 5-year consolidated plan.

Forums are also scheduled for Presque Isle, Bangor, Sanford, and Farmington.

For more information contact:
Michael D. Baran
Special Projects Coordinator
MaineHousing
(207) 624-5774 (Phone)
mbaran@mainehousing.org

Or

Deborah Johnson, Director
Office of Community Development
(207) 624-9817
Deborah.Johnson@maine.gov