Let's Connect

Host Kristina Egan speaks with Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, about his vision for Maine. Bennett discusses his goal of reducing political polarization by encouraging compromise and consensus-building. He takes calls from listeners and shares his views on housing, public transportation, the Gorham Connector, property tax relief, regional collaboration, and transportation funding.Produced by Greater Council of Governments for broadcast on WMPG 90.9FMEdited by Tom Bell

How can temporary street projects help create safer roads and save lives? Host Belinda Ray talks with Cashel Stewart of the Greater Portland Council of Governments and Ainsley Judge of Neighborways Design about the demonstration projects coming to Portland, Scarborough, and Saco this summer. They discuss the region's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. how demonstration project locations are selected, what goes into designing and installing them, and how communities measure their success. The conversation explores how short-term projects can help shape the future of safer, more walkable, and more bike-friendly communities across Greater Portland.Edited by C. Carter

Host Kristina Egan speaks with Nathan Davis, Executive Director of Gateway Community Services Maine, and Cary Tyson, Executive Director of Portland Downtown, about how federal immigration enforcement activity is affecting businesses, workers, and families across the Greater Portland region. Drawing on results from a recent survey of more than 240 local businesses, the conversation explores how fear and uncertainty can ripple through the local economy—affecting staffing, customer activity, and downtown commerce—while also shaping daily life for immigrant and refugee communities. Davis and Tyson discuss what organizations and employers are seeing on the ground, address common misconceptions, and share practical steps families, workplaces, and community members can take to stay informed, prepared, and supportive while staying within the law. Produced by Greater Portland Council of GovernmentsEdited by C.CarterFirst broadcast on WMPG.

Host Kristina Egan sits down with Samantha Horn, Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs —a new state office created to help communities access coordinated planning support, technical assistance, and resources. Together, they unpack what how the agency can help local leaders and volunteers tackle real-world challenges, from capacity constraints in small towns to building strong partnerships with regional councils. The conversation connects the dots between comprehensive planning and on-the-ground infrastructure, explores approaches to reducing conflict around housing while protecting what makes Maine special, and looks at how transportation planning fits into local decision-making. Tune in for practical insights and a big-picture perspective.Recorded at WMPGProduced by Tom Bell for Greater Council of Governments in collaboration with WMPG

Host Kristina Egan sits down with Bill Needelman, the former Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland, Maine, for a big-picture conversation about how Portland’s working waterfront has evolved over the past 25 years — and what it’s taken to protect one of the region’s most vital economic and cultural assets. From innovative zoning policies and mixed-use piers to global trade connections, fishing industry changes, and major infrastructure investments,. Bill shares behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges, controversies, and successes that shaped the waterfront we see today. Tune in for a thoughtful look at why working waterfronts matter — and what the future may hold.

Across Greater Portland, the push to build more housing often runs into a less visible but critical challenge: infrastructure. In this episodehost Kristina Egan is joined by Emily Cole-Prescott, Assistant City Administrator for the City of Saco, and Jennie Franceschi, Director of Planning & Code Enforcement for the City of Westbrook, for a practical, on-the-ground conversation about what it really takes to turn housing policy into housing that gets built. From sewer and water capacity to stormwater, transportation, and aging systems designed for a different era, they explore how infrastructure shapes where—and whether—new housing is possible, including affordable housing. The discussion also digs into statewide mandates, regional coordination, and what policymakers often underestimate about the true costs and timelines of growth.

Host Kristina Egan is joined by Brett Frank, Deputy Director of Public Works in Scarborough; Mike Murray, Director of Public Works for the City of Portland; and Caity Hager, Portland’s Emergency Management Coordinator to unpack how plowing decisions are made, why parking bans matter, how roads are treated, what causes delays, and how communities plan for emergencies before a storm even hits.

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.