Uptake of red flag law has been slow. Advocates aren’t worried.

banner that states by kate cough, editor of the maine monitor

Good morning -

I remember a few years back, when the talk of Augusta was L.D. 2003, a landmark zoning reform law aimed at encouraging housing development around the state by eliminating single-family zoning restrictions and making it easier to build accessory dwelling units. The blanket approach to zoning generated pushback in some towns — not surprising, given Maine's long standing tradition of home rule and local control.

Four years after its passage, is the law actually having the intended effect? That's the question housing reporter Caitlin Andrews sets out to answer in her piece this week. Also this week, health care reporter Emily Bader tracks the impact of Maine's red flag law, which went into effect in February, and rural government reporter Dan O'Connor explores the reasons for spiking electricity prices in Matinicus, why Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Bobby Charles is lobbying his childhood school board, and a difficult choice being faced by officials in Topsfield.

Will you be near Waterville this week? Join us for our next Monitor Talks event! We'll be at the Greene Block + Studios in Waterville on April 29 to talk about Maine's quirky local home rule governance structure in cooperation with Colby College. We'd love to see you in person if you can make it; if you can't, we'll be live streaming it on Zoom starting at 5:30 p.m. Either way, you can register in advance here. I hope to see you there!

Lastly, congratulations to our executive director Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, who was named a finalist for the Institute for Nonprofit News’ Emerging Leader of the Year Award!

— Kate

April 29: Monitor Local editor Judy Meyer will lead a panel discussion during a Monitor Talks event at Greene Blocks+Studio in Waterville about Maine’s quirky local home rule governance structure. The event is in cooperation with Colby College and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Register to attend in-person or virtually.

Maine tried zoning reform to fix its housing crisis. It’s unclear if it’s working: In 2022, the state began an effort to spur housing production by removing regulatory barriers and encouraging communities to build accessory dwelling units. It was met with fierce debate. A law passed last week aims to work out the kinks. Read this story by Caitlin Andrews

Uptake of Maine’s new red flag law has been slow. But advocates aren’t worried: Just four red flag orders have been filed since the law went into effect on Feb. 21, while law enforcement has completed 86 yellow flag orders. Read this story by Emily Bader

Here’s why electric rates are spiking on Maine’s most remote island: Rising electric prices have been a theme of the past few years in Maine. But the situation facing Matinicus is unique. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

A remote Maine town is ready to close its 5-student school: An aging, shrinking population and rising property taxes are forcing towns to make difficult choices about their community institutions. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and BDN

Why a Maine Republican frontrunner is lobbying his childhood school board: Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Bobby Charles criticizes school district’s decision to end kindergarten classes in two Maine towns. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and BDN

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm named finalist for INN leadership award: The executive director of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting was nominated for her work transforming the organization that publishes The Maine Monitor. Read this story

Washington County hires national firm Wipfli for audit work. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Bowdoin College application for Kingfield campsite set for public hearing. Read this story by Ashton F. LeCraw

Lubec explores town management of Lost Fishermen’s Memorial. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Skowhegan Select Board rejects TIF application from local law firm. Read this story by Evan W. Houk

Mt. Blue Regional School Board backs proposed $46.2M budget. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Rangeley to add historic‑themed signs as part of downtown revitalization. Read this story by Ashton F. LeCraw

Waterville City Council to consider ordinance on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Read this story by Charley DiAdamo

Machias annual town meeting moved to June 23. Read this story by Evan W. Houk

Norway fires auditor over stalled 2024 audit. Read this story by Jon Bolduc

Spruce Mountain School District voters to decide budget April 28. Read this story by Bob Neal

Farmington Select Board recommends $16.6 million budget. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

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