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Council Priorities
Each year, the Council meets to set goals and/or priorities for the Council year (November to October).
During City Council's annual priority-setting session and subsequent Workshops, the Council established the following 2026 priorities:
(1) Establish a comprehensive plan to address homelessness. Council will spearhead the creation of a comprehensive strategy that leverages both outside regional and nationwide experts alongside local stakeholders to craft a comprehensive plan for how the City supports organizations addressing homelessness in the City and considers the effectiveness of past strategies and recommends new ones to decrease the incidence and impact of homelessness in Bangor.
(2) Continue to address housing needs. Several housing projects are in various stages of completion around the City including the completed Theresa’s Place project, and in-progress projects such as Sunridge Senior Living, a recently approved tiny home project, and a supportive housing project led by Bangor Housing. Council intends to continue to focus on housing gaps and unmet needs. Ideas considered include a standing committee focused on housing and/or housing bonds.
(3) Advocate for a fairer share of regional costs and regional participation in the resolution of regional challenges. As a service center, Bangor proudly hosts a number of businesses, non-profits, educational organizations, and medical service providers that are of broad regional importance. However, there are attendant costs associated with being a service center that are born by Bangor alone. At the same time, many of these institutions are exempt from property tax and Bangor shoulders a disproportionate impact from those property tax exemptions. Council will explore creative and innovative ways to encourage broader regional participation and cost sharing. Council believes that prioritizing these three items in the following year is a strong investment in the continued vitality of the City and the well-being of the City's residents.
Year of Building
A Commitment to Housing, Economic Development, Relationships and More
During annual priority-setting sessions and subsequent workshops, the City Council indicated a desire to prioritize building and expanding upon the progress to date as it relates to housing, economic development, relationships and more.
Last year, significant progress was made to increase the opportunities for all residents to have access to quality housing that meets their needs, which enhances well-being and economic vitality, all of which support the creation of a more vibrant and inclusive community. While the process to create more housing opportunities can be lengthy, the City Council is committed to continuing to take the required actions that will positively impact the future.
Economic development has a ripple effect, which can positively impact many aspects of our community including; increased employment opportunities and household income, investments in infrastructure, health and well-being, and innovation and technology, increased tax revenues, as well as the cultural, social and environmental benefits. The City Council has identified three areas that are well-positioned for economic development: the Bangor Mall, the downtown area and city-owned parcels.
By establishing 2024-2025 as the Year of Building, the City Council has committed to investing in today and the future.
Year of Housing
During the annual priority setting sessions, the City Council discussed and indicated support for designating housing as the priority for the coming year, as housing impacts every aspect of our community. The City Council Standing Committees will be utilized to advance tasks associated with this overarching priority. Further, the City Council is committed to utilizing unobligated American Rescue Plan Act funding to invest in infrastructure that supports an increase in housing within our community. Our goal is to increase the opportunities for all residents to have access to quality housing that meets their needs. Housing is a critical component of our community's well-being and economic vitality. By prioritizing housing, we aim to create a more vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.