Let's Connect: Recent Episodes
WMPG
Let's Connect is a weekly podcast focused on how cities and towns in Greater Portland are overcoming challenges in their communities. Hosted by Kristina Egan, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the show focuses on a range of issues, including housing, transportation, climate change, and economic development.
Host Kristia Egan explores how schools across Maine are going greener—cutting energy use, improving air quality, and giving students hands-on lessons in sustainability. Dr. Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools for the Maine Department of Education, shares how the state’s new initiative is transforming everything from leadership practices to building systems, highlighting innovative projects already underway. Superintendent Christopher Howell of RSU 14 (Raymond and WIndham) discussa Windham Middle School’s forward-thinking design, including its unique “Ice House” thermal system. Together, they unpack why greener schools matter for every Mainer, the connection between clean energy and clean air, the barriers districts face, and how communities can help move sustainability forward.
Host Kristina Egan explores the growing urgency of keeping our unhoused neighbors safe as winter approaches.
Joined by Portland Mayor Mark Dion, Portland Downtown Executive Director Cary Tyson, and Westbrook Housing Director John Concannon, the conversation explores the pressure on Portland’s shelter system, the need for more day space resources, and the financial strains municipalities face in addressing homelessness. The panel also highlights ongoing regional efforts, including proposed day space projects, food security hubs, and the importance of supportive housing solutions.
A candid discussion on the complexities of homelessness in Maine and the collaborative efforts needed to protect vulnerable community members this winter.
Host Tom Bell heads out on Casco Bay—at least in spirit—to explore the Heron, the largest electric aquaculture workboat in Maine and maybe the nation. Built through a multi-year collaboration among local innovators, Heron is transforming oyster farming with cleaner, quieter, zero-emission technology that offers a glimpse into the future of Maine’s working waterfront. Tom is joined by Nick Planson of Shred Electric, Willy Leathers of Maine Ocean Farms, and Lia Morris of the Island Institute, to talk about how Heron performs on the water, and why electrification matters for coastal communities, climate goals, and the future of sustainable aquaculture.
Video of the Heron
Host Tom Bell talks with leaders from two Maine industries about how they’re turning sustainability into opportunity. Jason Perkins, Brewmaster at Allagash Brewing Company, explains how the brewery’s B Corp values drive efficiency and partnerships with local farmers. And Briana Warner, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Mark Foods—the new owner of Bristol Seafood—describes how Maine’s seafood industry is advancing traceability and ocean stewardship. Sophie Piette of ClimateWork Maine discusses how the Sustainability Council helps businesses collaborate, cut emissions, and share climate solutions.
Host Kristina Egan talks with Phil Devlin, Vice Chair of the Harrison Selectboard, and South Portland City Councilor Linda Cohen and about why more people should consider running for local office. They discuss what motivates people to step into public service, the challenges and rewards of local leadership, and how ordinary residents can make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Host Kristina Egan speaks with Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford City Administrator Truc Dever about how their neighboring cities are growing, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening regional collaboration. They discuss the essential role of roads, stormwater systems, broadband, and public facilities in shaping the future, and the opportunities that come from sharing services and working together across the Saco River.
Host Tom Bell explores one of Maine’s most vital yet often overlooked landscapes—its salt marshes. Guests Jeremy Gabrielson from the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and landscape architect Mitchell Rasor talk about why marshes matter, the risks they face from rising seas, and what ’s being done to restore them.
Host Kristina Egan talks with Andre Briere, the new executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority. A Seattle native and Air Force veteran, Briere brings nearly three decades of leadership experience, including his time as New Hampshire’s deputy transportation commissioner, to guide the future of Maine’s busiest highway. The conversation explores his vision for the turnpike—centered on transparency, technology and modernizing service plazas—along with the agency’s role in the region’s growth, its partnership with MaineDOT, and its investments in public transit and sustainability. Tune in for a candid look at how the Turnpike Authority is balancing mobility, innovation, and environmental responsibility across southern Maine.
In Yarmouth, a single pump station near the Royal River moves about two-thirds of the town’s wastewater — and it’s now running close to capacity. Town officials say that unless it’s upgraded, future housing and commercial projects could stall, and the town could risk another overflow event like the one that happened in early 2024. Critics are concerned about the costs to taxpayers and wonder why the town was not prepared for this crisis. To help us understand what’s at stake and how the town plans to move forward, host Tom Bell interviews Town Manager Scott LaFlamme and Town Council Chair Karin Orenstein.
On this episode of Let’s Connect Greater Portland, we look beyond electric cars to the future of clean transportation in Maine’s trucking sector. Host Kristina Egan talks with Hogan Dwyer from Efficiency Maine and Jon Gagne from the Greater Portland Council of Governments about the state’s goals for transportation electrification, the importance of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in cutting emissions, and the businesses already making the switch to electric trucks. From pilot programs and tax credits to the challenges and opportunities ahead, this conversation highlights how Maine is moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.
Host Kristina Egan sits down with Nate Wildes, Executive Director of Live and Work in Maine, to explore how Maine can attract, retain, and welcome the workforce it needs. They dig into what employers are saying, why attracting talent is a community-wide challenge, and how storytelling and branding help Maine stand out. The conversation tackles real barriers like housing, transportation, and childcare, the rise of remote workers and what it means for communities.
Host Kristina Egan talks with Stacy Brenner—farmer and the new President & CEO of Maine Farmland Trust—about farming, food, and the future of Maine’s working landscapes. They dig into why farmland needs protection, how the Trust helps keep land in production, and the biggest challenges farmers face today—from economics and tariffs to workforce and immigration. Stacy shares how young farmers are getting on the land, climate-smart practices and innovations that build resilience, and stories of farms strengthened through community support.
Host Kristina Egan sits down with Lisa Jones, founder of Black Travel Maine, a new initiative that is reshaping the way Maine tells its story. Lisa shares her vision for a more inclusive and equitable tourism landscape that reflects the diversity of our world.
Host Andrew Clark talks with Leigh Arsenault (John T. Gorman Foundation) and Kate Reilly (Maine Applied Research) about a new report that examines the transportation challenges of Maine families.
They unpack how these burdens fall on working families, rural residents, and young and older Mainers. They detail the economic benefits of a better-funded transit system and urge policy makers to reimagine how Maine prioritizes transportation investments.
Host Kristina Egan speaks with Dr. Nirav Shah as he reflects on the state of public health, the risks of future pandemics, and the importance of clear, compassionate communication during times of crisis. He also discusses the connection between public health and Maine’s economic vitality.
Note: This interview was recorded before Dr. Shah announced he is considering a run for governor.
Host Jamie Garvin explores how artificial intelligence is transforming municipal government in Maine. From chatbots that answer resident questions at all hours, to predictive systems that help towns anticipate road repairs, to automated permitting that cuts weeks off waiting times, technology is reshaping how communities connect with local services.
Guests Kyle Hadyniak, Director of Communications and IT for the Town of Gray, and Brian McDonald, Director of IT and Administration at the Maine Municipal Association, discuss the opportunities and challenges of this digital shift—and what it means for residents and local governments alike.
Host Cashel Stewart explores how communities in across southern Maine are working to make streets safer for everyone. With a sharp rise in traffic-related deaths and injuries, cities like Saco are launching quick-build safety projects backed by regional and federal funding. Cashel is joined by Travis Moore, Saco’s Public Works Director; Emily Cole-Prescott, Saco’s Deputy City Administrator; and Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. They discuss traffic-calming measures and how data-driven, low-cost interventions are reshaping how we move through our communities.
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Produced by Tom Bell (GPCOG)
Edited by Tom Bell
Recorded at WMPG Radio
Host Maggie Johnson talks with community leaders Guy Mpoyi and Katherine Charbonneau about the intersection of mobility, equity, and access to essential services. Together, they explore the barriers many people face when it comes to transportation in Greater Portland, and how improving transit can foster a stronger sense of belonging. Through personal stories and practical insights, Guy and Katherine highlight the importance of listening to community voices and working collaboratively to create a more connected and equitable region.
Produced by Tom Bell (GPCOG)
Edited by Tom Bell
Recorded at WMPG Radio
On this episode of Let’s Connect Greater Portland, host Kristina Egan sits down with two influential leaders in Maine’s immigrant community: Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, and Marpheen Chann, author and founder of Khmer Maine. Together, they unpack how new federal immigration policies are impacting lives here in southern Maine—from legal hurdles and workforce challenges to personal stories of arrival, adaptation, and resilience. The conversation explores the national mood, shifting public attitudes, and the lived realities of immigrants in Maine today, while also offering hope, clarity, and ways listeners can support their neighbors.
Host Kristina Egan explores how Accessory Dwelling Units—or ADUs—can help address the region’s housing shortage while offering financial benefits to owners and occupants. Whether you’re curious about the cost, permitting process or return on investment, this episode offers practical insights from Nell Donaldson, Director of Special Projects for the City of Portland, Austin Gregory, Chief of Operations and Engineering at Backyard ADUs, and Alex Brockway, Vice President and Residential Lending Officer at Kennebunk Savings. Tune in to learn why ADUs are gaining traction and what it takes to build one
Host Kristina Egan sits down with Marty Grohman, Mayor of Biddeford, to talk about one of Maine’s fastest-growing and most talked-about cities. From revitalization efforts and economic development to housing, community life, and what’s next for Biddeford, Mayor Grohman shares insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping Biddeford’s future.
Produced by Tom Bell
Edited by Caroline Parker
Photo Credit: Tom Bell
Maine Trust for Local News Managing Director Stefanie Manning, Executive Editor Carolyn Fox, and Advisory Board Chair Mark Stodder join host Tom Bell to talk about Maine’s changing media landscape. Learn why printed weeklies are disappearing, how digital newsletters are gaining ground, and what’s at stake for democracy when trusted journalism fades. From subscription models to AI tools and combating misinformation on Facebook, this episode examines whether local news can survive—and thrive—in a digital world.
Host: Tom Bell
Produced by Tom Bell
Edited by Caroline Parker
Host Belinda Ray sits down with Craig Freshley, a professional facilitator and author of Together We Decide, to explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: political polarization.From the U.S. Congress to local town halls, divisions are running deep. What’s fueling this polarization? And more importantly, how do we find our way back to trust and dialogue?Craig shares practical advice and stories from his work helping communities and organizations bridge divides. The episode covers how polarization plays out in local government, the impact of social media on public discourse, and why conversation remains democracy’s most powerful tool.
What’s causing America’s growing political divisions?
Host: Belinda Ray
Produced by: Tom Bell (GPCOG)
On this episode of Let’s Connect Greater Portland, host Annella Linton explores how Portland’s new professional soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine, is doing more than winning games.Soccer is building community, bridging cultures, and redefining what it means to belong.
Joining us from the City of Portland are Ethan Hipple, Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities, and Greg Watson from Housing & Economic Development. They’re joined by team founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson for a conversation about placemaking, the power of public space, and why the “beautiful game” plays such an important role in Maine’s most diverse neighborhoods.
Hosted by Annella Linton
Edited by Caroline Parker
Produced by Tom Bell and the Greater Portland Council of Governments
Andrew Clark, Transit Program Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, speaks with Chad Heid, Chief Transportation Officer at the Greater Portland Metro and Josh Caldwell, Climate and Clean Energy Policy Advocate and Outreach Manager at the Natural Resource Council of Maine, about the financial challenges facing Maine’s public transportation operators and the need for the state to provide sustainable funding.
Dave Herring, Executive Director, Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment in Freeport, talks about how regenerative agriculture is helping farmers build resilience in the face of climate change. Dave explains what makes regenerative practices different from conventional or organic farming—and how they can help farms survive floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather.We also dig into the recent loss of a major $35 million USDA grant and what it means for the farm’s future. Can the funding be restored? And how will Wolfe’s Neck continue to serve as a leader for sustainable farming in Maine and across the Northeast?
Host Kristina Egan speaks with several leaders working on climate issues at the ClimateWork Maine Summit, including Hannah Pingree, who recently stepped down from leading the State Office of Policy Innovation & the Future, James Dozier, a clean energy advocate and lobbyist, Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools, Alan Caron, founder of ClimateWork Maine, Lydia Covert, Corporate Sustainability Director at Unum, Joe Curtatone, President, Alliance for Climate Transition, and Dr. Ivan Fernandez retired as the Distinguished Maine Professor of Soil Science in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine.
In this episode, host Jamie Garvin talks with South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli, Gray Town Manager Michael Foley, and Kate Dufour, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Maine Municipal Association. Together, they explore the factors fueling increasing property taxes—and efforts in Augusta and in local communities to ease the burden.
Don’t throw away your food waste! Save money and turn your table scraps into rich soil and renewable electricity. Kevin Roche, CEO of ecomaine and Greg Williams, Director of Public Policy & Outreach at Waste Solutions at Agri-Cycle, talk with host Tom Bell about keeping food waste out of landfills. Learn compositing tips (keep those worms fed and happy) and about how dairy farmers are mixing food waste with manure to create electricity for the power grid.
Believe it or not, Route One in Maine is turning 100 years old. So, what should the next 10,20,100 years look like? Host Chris Chop, the Transportation Director at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, talks with the agency’s Regional Transportation Planner Laura Qualey and Senior Planner Christian Roadman. The agency is working with nine communities and other partners to develop a vision for the corridor.
AmeriCorps fellow Ellie Hughes, former AmeriCorps fellow Emerson Goodrich and South Portland Sustainability Director Julie Rosenbach discuss how AmeriCorps leverages the power of volunteerism to do great things for Maine communities. They also examine the impact of the Trump Administration’s abrupt termination of federal AmeriCorps funding in Maine, putting at risk the service of more than 120 AmeriCorps volunteers. These young people —many of whom have committed to provide 1,700 hours of public service—will now only be able to complete approximately 30 percent of their intended service.
Phil Coupe, co-founder of ReVision Energy, one of New England’s most respected clean energy companies, remains bullish about the future of renewable energy despite the lack of support from the Trump administration.
Host Kristina Egan sits down with Andrew Zarro, the new executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, for a wide-ranging conversation about his love for cycling, his vision for safer streets, and how better bike infrastructure can transform communities.
Andrew Butcher, President of the Maine Connectivity Authority, talks about the challenges and joys of expanding high-speed Internet access in Maine and the impact of federal upheavals and executive orders.
The City of Portland wants to transform Franklin Street from an auto-centric arterial into a vibrant urban corridor, balancing transportation needs for all people while opening land for much-needed housing.Host Kristina Egan speaks with Kevin Kraft, the city’s director of planning and urban development; Jeremiah Bartlett, the city’s transportation systems engineer; Eugenia Di Girolamo, a consultant; and Markos Miller, a citizen activist who has been leading a grassroots community effort to redesign the corridor for nearly 20 years.
South Portland Mayor Richard Matthews speaks with host Kristina Egan about some of the city’s big issues, including the high cost of housing, the recently defeated ban on leaf blowers, a proposal to consolidate municipal departments on the Mahoney Middle School property, and the challenge of providing property tax relief to residents.
Every year, too many lives are lost due to crashes on our roadways. But there’s a growing movement working to change that—it's called Vision Zero. Host Kristina Egan talks with Paul Drinan from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Deborah Smith, a community advocate from New Gloucester and Rick Harbison and Lucy Sinclair from the Greater Portland Council of Governments about efforts to reduce crashes that cause serious injuries and deaths.
Produced by Tom Bell
Edited by Will Fudge
Host Kristina Egan talks with John Warnock, the new General Manager at Casco Bay Lines,and Operations Manager Nick Mavodones Jr., about new developments at the ferry service, including the benefits and challenges of fleet electrification. A new battery-operated ferry, the “Battery Steele,” will go into service this September, replacing the “Machigonne II.” The new ferry will have significantly lower emissions and operate with less vibration and noise.
People have a lot of misconceptions about electric vehicles. Laura Qualey, regional transportation planner at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, and Jon Gagne, the agency’s sustainability program coordinator, address some of the misconceptions about EVs circulating on social media.
Westbrook Mayor David Morse and City Council President Claude Rwaganje talk about the confusion and fear caused by President Trump’s executive orders and deportation policies.
Rodrigue Mahoua, Director of Program Development at the Quality Housing Coalition and Sarah Gauvin, Manager of Educational Programming at Hope Acts, speak with host Clara McCool about efforts to ensure that everyone has access to digital technology, like the Internet, video conferencing apps and email. They discuss why lowering barriers to the internet is so important.
Danielle Moriarty, Program Director at the Maine Arts Commission, Mollie Cashwell, Director of the Cultural Alliance of Maine, and Dinah Minot, Executive Director of Creative Portland, talk with host Kristina Egan about the role of the creative arts in building thriving communities.
South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli and Greater Portland Metro Executive Director Glenn Fenton discuss how the merger of Greater Portland Metro and the South Portland Bus Service will save taxpayer dollars and improve service for riders.
In this heartfelt and insightful podcast, Gretchen Johnson, Executive Director of the Center for Grieving Children, and Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of the Maine chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, explore the growing issue of loneliness and isolation in our society. They delve into the profound impact these feelings have on mental health, relationships, and communities, while offering practical strategies and hope for overcoming them. Tune in for meaningful conversations on the power of human connections.
Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, talks with host Kristina Egan about the state’s efforts to slow climate change and how our communities are preparing to deal with the reality of extreme weather.
Spencer Thibodeau, U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs and former Portland City Councilor talks with host Andrew Zarro about the historic investments in renewable energy made by the Biden-Harris administration and what he hopes the next administration will carry forward.
Anne Ball, Program Director of Main Street Maine, and Teresa Valliere, President of Friends of Woodfords Corner, talk with host Andrew Zarro about transforming historic hubs here in Maine and why these areas are so critical to the identity, economy and future of our communities
Cass Newell, Town Manager of Harrison, Josh Reny, Assistant City Manager for South Portland, and Scott LaFlamme, Town Manager of Yarmouth, talk with host Kristina Egan about the variety of careers available in municipal government, the meaningful and challenging work, and the opportunities for making a difference in our communities.
Ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche and Communications and Public Affairs Director, Jamie Garvin, talk about changes in the global market for recycled materials and ecomaine’s efforts to boost recycling rates and keep waste out of landfills.
Portland Mayor Mark Dion and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman discuss the highs and lows for the past year and their vision for the year ahead.
Host Kristina Egan speaks with Kate Cough, editor at The Maine Monitor, and Steve Pinette, a retired geologist and a leader in efforts to protect Scarborough Marsh,about the impact of climate change on Maine’s marshes.
Placemaking is more than just improving the look of an area; it’s about fostering connections, creating opportunities for community engagement, and driving both social and economic vitality.
Host Kristina Egan talks with two guests deeply involved in this work: CJ Opperthauser, Executive Director of Friends of Congress Square Park, and Annie Leahy, Executive Director of The Maine Mechanics Hall.
Portland Press Herald reporter Hannah LaClaire speaks with host Tom Bell about her research showing that building new luxury housing can help solve the region’s housing shortage by increasing housing supply.
Link to the Portland Press Herald article.
Host Kristina Egan talks with the three candidates running for mayor Westbrook: Acting Mayor David Morse, who is being challenged by Lynda Adams and Larry McWilliams.
Senate Candidates Roundtable Kristina Egan from the Greater Portland Council of Governments hosts a roundtable discussion with Maine Senate candidates Sen. Anne Carney, Democratic candidate in District 29 (South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough), Sen. Stacey Brenner, Democratic candidate in District 30 (Gorham and Scarborough),Sen. Tim Nangle, Democratic candidate in District 26 (Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham, and part of Westbrook), Dustin Ward, independent candidate in District 20 (Auburn, Durham, Poland & New Gloucester), and Sen. Richard Bennett, Republican candidate in District 18 (Bridgton, Brownfield, Denmark, Fryeburg, Harrison, Hebron, Mechanic Falls, Minot,Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Sweden, and Waterford)
Portland Press Herald reporter Eric Russell talks with host Kristina Egan about the driving forces behind Maine’s housing crisis. He said zoning restrictions and local opposition to development have limited supply.
Kevin Kraft, the Director of Planning and Urban Development for the City of Portland, speaks with GPCOG Transit Program Manager Andrew Clark about major upcoming transportation investment in Portland's East Deering neighborhood.
Gray Town Council Chair Krista Chappell and Gray Town Manager Michael Foley talk with host Kristina Egan about challenges and opportunities in Gray, including an ambitious project to redesign the village area.
Host Kristina Egan talks with Windham Town Councilor Jarrod Maxfield and Town Manager Barry Tibbetts about challenges and opportunities in the Town of Windham, Maine.
Lynn Tillotson, President & CEO of Visit Portland, speaks with host Kristina Ean about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a top travel destination, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
Lynn talks about how the challenge of adapting to changing traveler behaviors and expectations while balancing the influx of visitors with preserving our natural beauty and local culture.
Host Andrew Zarro talks with Jonathan Gagne, Sustainability Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, and Daphne Dixon, who is driving an electric vehicle across America, a 5,100-mile road trip from Bangor, Maine to Tacoma, Washington.
Along her journey, Daphne is documenting the driver's charging experience and highlighting the critical work happening across the country to expand and improve EV infrastructure.
Host Kristina Egan interviews Glenn Fenton, the newly appointed Executive Director of Greater Portland Metro. Glenn, who has been with Metro since 2014, was previously Chief Transportation Officer. Glenn talks about successful strategies for passenger growth and his top priorities for Metro for the next few years.
GPCOG's very own Resilience Corps Fellows, Kayley Weeks and Emma Morgan alongside Kirsten Brewer, Volunteer Maine’s Climate Corps coordinator join host, Kristina Egan for a discussion on why Climate Corps and Resilience Corps is it important?
Mike Tremblay, Metro’s Director of Transit Development, and Andrew Clark, Transit Program Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, talk about some big changes at Greater Portland Metro that are bringing faster, more frequent, and more direct service to the Maine Mall area, DHHS and the Portland Jetport. They also provide a sneak peek at some exciting improvements that Metro has in the works, including the introduction of new technology.
Andrew Zarro hosts
Legislative wrap-up Sen. Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland) and Rep. Anne Graham (D-North Yarmouth) discuss the achievements of the most recent Legislative session, including efforts to address chronic homelessness and create more housing.
Montpelier City Manager Bill Fraser talks with host Andrew Zarro about the devastating flood that swamped Vermont’s capital city last July and the need for every community to prepare for disasters caused by climate change.
Two Portland officials, Nell Donaldson, the director of special projects, and Kevin Kraft, interim director of planning, discuss the city’s “ReCode,” a major effort to modernize the city’s zoning rules. The proposal would allow multi-family homes in every neighborhood and increase the maximum height of buildings downtown and in some major corridors, such as Forest Avenue and Congress Street. The proposal encourages growth near transit and jobs in major intersections, corridors and downtown.
Sen. Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland) and Rep. Anne Graham (D-North Yarmouth) discuss the achievements of the most recent Legislative session, including efforts to address chronic homelessness and create more housing.
Portland City Councilor April Fournier and Cullen Ryan, Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine join host, Andrew Zarro in a conversation about the ongoing challenge of homelessness in our community, discussing the return to warmer weather, encampments, and ongoing efforts to provide support and solutions.
Let's Connect Greater Portland is a weekly public affairs radio show & podcast focused hosted by Greater Portland Council of Governments' Executive Director Kristina Egan
Are We Ready For The Future?
Kristina Egan is joined by speakers from the Climatework Maine summit in Augusta.
Guests include:
Emily Wood - Program Director, CEI
Patrick Woodcock - President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce
Jack Shapiro - Clean Energy & Climate Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine
Dr Joseph Romm - Senior Research Fellow at Penn Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media
Tony Shurman, CEO of Wyman's.
Glenn Prickett, President and CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, talks with host Andrew Zarro about environmental stewardship, fishery management and the impact of climate change on rising sea-levels and increasing storm intensity.
Jennifer Hutchins, the Executive Director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits, speaks with host Andrew Zarro about Maine’s nonprofit community.
Greg Jordan, the former Executive Director of Greater Portland METRO, talks with host Andrew Zarro about the pivotal role leadership plays in successful regional transit. Jordan also discusses his new job as Assistant City Manager at the City of Portland.
Cumberland County District Attorney Jackie Sartoris talks with host Kristina Egan about finding collaborative ways to address health and wellness issues experienced by many in the region’s unsheltered community, including mental health issues and substance use disorder. Sartoris has been instrumental in convening local experts and advocates to review and enhance the support systems for our unsheltered population, especially those entangled with the criminal legal system.
Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation Systems Engineer at the City of Portland, and Bruce Hyman, the city’s Transportation Program Manager, speak with host Andrew Zarro about the transformative transportation projects happening in the city. Those projects include the Libbytown Safety & Accessibility project, which this month won a $22.4 million federal transportation grant.
This week’s show goes on the road to Bridgton, the heart of the Lakes Region. Town Manager Robert Peabody, Jr., Select Board Chair Carmen Lone, Community Development Director Victoria Hill and Select Board Member Carrye Castleman-Ross discuss the downtown’s revitalization, efforts to address the housing shortage and the joys of living in Bridgton.
Tae Chong (Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Director of Multicultural Markets and Strategies), Quincy Hentzel (Executive Director of Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce) and Melissa Hue (Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity for the City of Portland), discuss how to help people overcome employment barriers and strengthen the region's economic resilience.
Cape Elizabeth Town Manager Matt Sturgis and Tax Assessor Clinton Swett discuss the revaluation process in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and answer common questions.
Emily Prescott, Planning Director of Saco, and Howard Carter, Director of the city’s Water Resource Recovery Department, discuss how waste water systems play a pivotal role in developing sustainable infrastructures within the community.
Portland City Manager Danielle West and Westbrook City Administrator Jerre Bryant discuss the challenge of meeting the aspirations of residents and elected leaders in the budget process.
South Portland Mayor Misha Pride and host Kristina Egan discuss housing, climate and the loss of South Portland’s iconic fishing shacks in last month’s storm.
Yarmouth's Town Manager Nat Tupper and Cumberland Town Manager Bill Shane talk with host Kristina Egan about the joys and challenges of being a town manager in Maine. Both men are retiring this winter after long careers in public service.
Dan Haley, Chair of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for Portland Harbor, Tom Dobbins, the commission’s former chair, and Bill Needleman, the Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland, talk with host Andrew Zarro about a major project to dredge along the private and public piers in Portland Harbor.
University of Southern Maine's President, Dr Jacqueline Edmondson chats with Kristina Egan on Let's Connect Radio. Hear from Dr Edmondson about her love of teaching, her experience as a 1st generation student and her vision for the future of the University of Southern Maine.
Kate Snyder talks with Belinda Ray about her recent term as mayor – the high points, the challenges, and what it’s been like to serve in municipal government in today’s increasingly polarized environment
WindowDressers deploys the power of volunteerism to make sure that every community has access to affordable insulated window inserts.
Jessica Williams, Executive Director of WindowDressers, and Sofia Reali, a program assistant, speak with host Tom Bell.
Andrew Fersch and Laura Minich Zitske talk with host Tom Bell about Piping Plovers and efforts to protect their habitat in Maine.
Andrew is the author of the children’s book, “The Piping Plover,” about the endangered seabirds that live at Higgins Beach in Scarborough. The book is illustrated by Bruce Hutchison of Cape Elizabeth.
Laura is a wildlife ecologist and Coastal Birds Project Director at Maine Audubon.
To order the book, contact Andrew at thepennprogram@gmail.com
Greg Payne, senior advisor to Gov. Mills on housing issues, talks with host Kristina Egan about Maine’s massive housing shortage and its implications.
Maine needs as many as 84,300 new homes of all kinds within the next seven years to meet current and future demands. A state study in October concludes that failing to build or reinvest in more homes may have serious implications for Maine’s labor force and economy.
Three communication experts in local government: Jessica Grondin, Director of Communications for the City of Portland, Shara Dee, Communications Officer for the City of South Portland, and Allison Carrier, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Town of Scarborough, how to make sure their citizens have the facts so their local governments can be effective.
Theresa Galvin, the Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Falmouth, David Low, a Falmouth resident who is a member of the Climate Action Planning Committee, and Anna Paddock, a Sustainability Associate at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, discus what Falmouth is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for the impacts of a warming climate.
Cashel Stewart, Sustainable Transportation Coordinator at the City of South Portland, and Jim Tasse, Assistant Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, talk about E-bikes. How do they work? What are the regulations? Are they safe? How can E-bikes help us save the planet?
Transit agencies in our region are electrifying their fleets. Learn the reasons why, with Hank Berg, general manager of Casco Bay Lines, Chad Heid, Executive Director at Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, Rodney Carpenter, the bus agency’s deputy director, and Jonathan Gagne, Sustainability Program Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments.
Host Kristina Egan speaks with three of the five candidates running for mayor of Portland: Pious Ali, Andrew Zarro and Justin Costa.
Kristina Egan, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, interviews mayoral candidates Mark Dion and Dylan Pugh. This is the first of two WMPG radio shows focused on the five candidates running for mayor of the City of Portland.
Chris Lyon, Shana Cook Mueller, and Krystal Williams share what it means to be in a multiracial friendship.
Cape Elizabeth Town Councilor Penny Jordan and Greater Portland Council of Governments Planning Director Matt Panfill discuss the new state housing law LD 2003 and Cape Elizabeth’s proposed ordinance amendments.
Sen. Jill Duson (D-Portland) and Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) discuss their efforts to work across the aisle in the Maine Legislature.
Dennis Ross, president of WJZP FM, the only minority-owned radio station serving Portland, speaks with host Joshua Brister about the importance of community radio.
Dean Klein (consultant), Brian Townsend (Executive Director of CommonSpace), and Cullen Ryan (Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine) discuss the region’s growing population of homeless people and efforts to remove barriers to build more affordable housing.
Neil Kiely (Androscoggin Bank Chief Executive Officer), Margo Walsh (MaineWorks Founder & Owner), and Fiona Wilson (UNH Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer) discuss what B-Corps businesses are and what role businesses play in creating a more sustainable world.
Sadie Donnell (blind Gorham resident) talks with Kevin Jensen (Gorham Economic Development Director) about the challenges people with disabilities face when navigating our region’s transportation system.
Portland Press Herald reporter Rachel Ohm, who has written in depth about the homeless in Portland, and Amber Lesperance, who lives in a homeless encampment on Marginal Way, discuss what it’s like to be homeless and the factors causing an increase in the region’s homeless population.
Danielle West (City of Portland City Manager) talks about Portland’s most pressing issues, including housing.
Christine Grimando (Portland Director of Planning & Urban Development) and Nell Donaldson (Portland Director of Special Projects) discuss ReCode Portland—an effort to update Portland's zoning to help build more housing and create more livable, walkable neighborhoods.
Dave Reidmiller (Director of the Climate Center at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute) shares how climate change will impact Maine and what efforts are underway to help coastal communities adapt to a changing climate.
Mary Fernandes (Casco Selectboard Member) and Victoria Pelletier (Portland City Councilor) are trailblazers; Mary was the first Black woman ever elected to the Casco Selectboard, and Victoria is the second woman ever elected to the Portland City Council. In this episode, they share their experiences serving their communities as Black women and discuss how they’re paving the way for others.
Allison Burson (National Greenway Director at East Coast Greenway), Rob Lavoie (Gorham Town Councilor), and Dick Woodbury (former Maine State Senator) discuss the importance trails and what efforts are underway to expand the trail network.
Grier Miskell (Housing Navigation Coordinator at Quality Housing Coalition) and Aaron Geyer (Director of Social Services for the City of Portland) speak with Tom Bell about a new home-share program to provide housing for asylum seekers who on Aug. 16 could be homeless when the Portland Expo shelter shuts down.
Andrew Clark (Transit Program Manager) and Teagan Betori (Communications Specialist) discuss plans to bring a rapid transit line connecting Gorham, Westbrook, and Portland.
Siobhán Brett (PPH Opinion Editor) shares her story of how she landed in Maine and talks about what issues are top of mind for Mainers.
Rebecca Hatfield (President & CEO of Avesta Housing) and Kevin Bunker (Founder & Principal of Developers Collaborative) discuss the barriers they face and opportunities they see as they work to create more affordable housing.
Bob Greene (former Associated Press journalist and Maine historian) and Pedro Vazquez (Chair of the South Portland Human Rights Commission) share their stories and discuss Black history, racial equity efforts in Maine, and Juneteenth.
Most of Maine's newspapers, including The Portland Press Herald, the Forecaster, and the Lakes Region Weekly, are up for sale. What does this mean for the future of local news in Maine? Bill Nemitz (former Portland Press Herald columnist) discusses the issue with Krista Chappell (Gray Town Council Vice Chair) and Jarrod Maxfield (Windham Town Councilor).
Greg Jordan (Executive Director of Greater Portland Metro) talks about how the pandemic affected bus ridership and what METRO is doing to win back riders.
Patrícia Campos Mello is an award-winning investigative journalist from Brazil who has covered conflicts and elections across the globe. She was recently featured in the HBO documentary Endangered where she tells the story of how former President Bolsonaro targeted her on social media after she wrote about disinformation during his presidential campaign. She sued the former President and won.
She sits down with Kristina and Cathy Lee, the founder of Lee International Business Development, to share her story and highlight why journalism is essential for democracy.
Kristina talks with Jeff Marks, the Executive Director of CLIMATEWORK MAINE, and Ania Wright and Nyalat Biliew, both of whom work with the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club, about why they became climate action advocates and what others can do get involved in local climate efforts.
Biddeford, which was once a mill town, is now Maine's youngest downtown. The average age of resident in Biddeford’s downtown? 29.
Kristina Egan talks with Jim Bennett, City Manager of Biddeford, and Delilah Poupore, Director of the Heart of Biddeford, about how Biddeford has transformed from a mill town to a vibrant downtown.
Complete Streets is an approach to designing streets that are safe, convenient, and comfortable for all users—pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. This design approach has been adopted by cities and towns all over the country and most recently, a regional Complete Streets Policy has been adopted in the Portland area.
Only 13% of Maine has sufficient access to high-speed internet. Kristina talks with Bridgton Library Director Amy Stone and Regional Broadband Coordinator Clara McCool about the challenges people face in accessing high-speed internet and the efforts now underway to provide access to underserved communities in Cumberland County.
Why do people volunteer? And how do organizations find the right people to help them? Tom Bell talks with Michael Ashmore, the Training and Program Development Officer at Volunteer Maine, and two Resilience Corps Fellows, Anna Paddock and Caitlan Vultaggio, about how volunteerism helps communities and nonprofits thrive.
South Portland Mayor Kate Lewis discusses the city’s efforts to take the lead on several tough issues, including environmental sustainability and housing.
Kristina Egan, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, speaks with Freeport resident Claire Houston, land use planner Vanessa Farr, and John Egan, Vice Chair of the Freeport Town Council, about efforts to add more housing to downtown Freeport.
Kristen Dow, Director of Health and Human Services for the City of Portland and Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition, discuss efforts to provide asylum seekers with temporary housing as the system reaches a crisis point.
Tom Hall, the Town Manager of Scarborough, Jami Fitch, Scarborough’s Sustainability Coordinator, and Sara-Mills Knapp, the Director of Sustainability at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, discuss the impact of the climate crisis and what the region can do to bolster its resiliency to extreme weather.
How can our public transportation agencies work together to improve the experience of currentriders, attract new riders and make the system more effective and efficient? The region’s seven agencies have just finished a plan called Transit Together to improve public transportation. Kristina talks with Chad Heid, the Executive Director of BSOOB Transit and Andrew Clark, the Transit Program Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments to learn about new efforts to make public transportation more frequent, faster, and easier to use.
Maine's housing shortage has made finding an affordable place to live a big challenge for many people. The median rent for a one-bedroom in Portland: $1,777 per month. But what about in Japan, where there's actually a surplus of housing? Rent for a one-bedroom in Tokyo, Japan's most expensive city: $1,200 per month. Kristina talks with Kat Violette about how Japan has created a surplus of affordable housing and what solutions we can bring to Greater Portland.
Maine has grown quickly over the last two years. What does this mean for traffic? How will we get around in the decades to come? Our region has a plan. It’s called Connect 2045, and it’s a bold and groundbreaking vision for the future of transportation. Kristina talks with Transportation Director at the Greater Portland Council of Governments Chris Chop to learn what this vision is and how we make it a reality.
Paul Johnson, Senior Economic Development Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, speaks with Gray Town Manager Nate Rudy and Joshua Brister, owner of theLewiston-Auburn Maples, a women’s semi-professional basketball team, and talk about how to expand opportunities for prosperity in Greater Portland.
What can we learn from Copenhagen, where nearly 50% of its residents commute to work or school by bike? Denmark’s largest city is now known as the bicycle capital of the world, but that wasn’t always the case. Kristina sits down with Teagan Betori to discuss how Copenhagen transformed its transportation system and what solutions we can bring to Southern Maine.
Want to learn more? Check out these links:
Watch video: city of cyclists
Pedestrian only streets: Strøget, Copenhagen
How the 1970s oil crisis helped Copenhagen become a cycling paradise
Tony Plante chats with Clara McCool about efforts to expand broadband in the Lakes Region
Episode 4. Former Portland Press Herald Opinion Editor Greg Kesich discusses Nov. 8 election results and the ramifications statewide and in the Greater Portland region.
Episode two: Westbrook’s resurgence, a conversation with Mayor Michael Foley
Kristina chats with Westbrook Mayor Michael Foley about the exciting changes happening in Westbrook and the city’s efforts to add more vitality to its downtown by increasing density and allowing more people to live and work there.
In the inaugural episode of "Let's Connect," Kristina chats with Belinda Ray, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, about the goal of Vision Zero and why we need it. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by changing the way we design our roads and systems to ensure safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. This strategy has been adopted across the globe and now, Belinda and her team are working to bring it to Greater Portland. You can learn more at visionzerogreaterportldand.org.