FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Oakland Announces Awards to Three Local Businesses Through Inaugural Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program

OAKLAND, ME - June 25, 2026 – Launching its inaugural round of grant funding to support downtown revitalization, the Town of Oakland has awarded $25,000 to three local businesses. This financial support is distributed through the Oakland Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program (OFDIG) to directly spur business and facility investments and strengthen community vibrancy. Funded by the town's Downtown Tax-Increment Financing (TIF) District, OFDIG provides financial assistance for exterior building and site improvements that enhance the visual appeal, accessibility, and long-term vitality of the commercial center. Structured as a 1:1 required matching reimbursement program, this initial $25,000 grant allocation is expected to stimulate a total of $81,607 in capital improvements within the downtown district.

This new initiative builds upon recent investments and expanding businesses in the downtown district. This growing momentum includes the recent redevelopment and enhancements of the historic Bank Block building on Main Street (located at 46 Main St. and 48-52 Main St.). “These projects represent Oakland’s ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient downtown,” said Town Manager Kelly Pinney-Michaud. “Investments like these help ensure that our downtown continues to grow, evolve, and thrive.”

“The launch of Oakland’s first year of the Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program marks a major milestone for the community’s commercial core. With $81,607 in direct investment funded, this inaugural cycle is catalyzing new economic activity, stimulating revitalization, and strengthening the district’s long-term vibrancy,” said Garvan D. Donegan, President & CEO of the Central Maine Growth Council. “Representing the operations and management of the downtown TIF district, we will see firsthand how essential these grant programs are in providing the capital necessary for property owners - and business owners - to enhance their buildings and attract customers. This initiative is a critical economic development tool, highlighting the importance of place-based investment to attract new enterprises and stimulate broader private capital investment throughout Oakland's commercial downtown core.”

These grants were awarded following a competitive review process that evaluated applicants based on project readiness, community impact, and alignment with Oakland’s downtown revitalization goals. To encourage widespread economic growth, the program awards bonus points to new businesses and investors. In future funding rounds, bonus points will also be given to businesses and property owners who have not yet received an award. The selected improvements reflect OFDIG’s mission to help businesses reinvest in their storefronts, restore architectural character, and enhance the usability of their properties. Building on this initial success, the Town looks forward to making future façade and building improvement awards to continually increase the vibrancy of the downtown district.

2026 Grant Recipients & Project Summaries

Together, the following three businesses represent the first round of awarded funding from the OFDIG program. Each business is undertaking improvements that will collectively elevate Oakland’s downtown experience for visitors and residents alike.

HB Insurance

Project: Façade Building Repainting

HB Insurance will receive OFDIG funding to repaint the front façade of their building. This project will refresh the property's appearance, contributing to a more cohesive and visually appealing downtown aesthetic while preserving the building's structural integrity.

Maine‑ly Docks

Maine‑ly Docks has been awarded funding to install a new free‑standing roadside sign, a building‑mounted sign, and install exterior security cameras. These updates will significantly improve customer visibility, enhance wayfinding, and bolster on‑site safety—areas emphasized within OFDIG as essential to supporting business growth and creating a welcoming commercial corridor.

“We truly appreciate this opportunity and the confidence the Town has placed in our business. Enhanced signage and security will help us better serve our customers and create a more welcoming presence in the community. This support makes a real difference, and we’re thankful for the chance to continue growing in Oakland.” - Shawn Stevens, Owner, Maine-ly Docks.

Central Maine Footcare

Project: Signage, Awning, and Exterior Improvements

Central Maine Footcare will receive funding for a comprehensive series of improvements designed to strengthen both the aesthetics and signage of their property. The project includes re-siding the building’s front façade, installation of a new awning, and relocation of the business sign to improve site circulation and parking functionality.

We are grateful to the Town of Oakland for their investment in the small business community. This grant will help us improve the appearance of our business.” - Lisa Nelson, RN, BSN, CFCN, Founder, Central Maine Footcare.

More information, including eligibility, on the Oakland Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program may be viewed here: https://oaklandme.gov/downtown-tif

Media Contact:

Garvan Donegan

President & CEO, CMGC

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JULY 13TH, 2026

SECOND READING

The Oakland Town Council will conduct a "SECOND READING" regarding a proposed MOBILE HOME PARK ORDINANCE. 

Copies of the proposed ordinance are attached to this notice. 

The meeting is being held at the Oakland Fire Station in the Atlantic Room on Wednesday, July 22nd at 6:00pm. 

FMI 207-465-7357 

2nd Reading -Mobile Home Park Ordinance health life safety (PDF)

/s/ Kathleen A. Paradis
Town Clerk

NOTICE POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
OAKLAND TOWN OFFICE
OAKLAND POST OFFICE
BUDDIES GROCERY STORE
D&L COUNTRY STORE
KORNER STORE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Town of Oakland
Employee Job Description
Title Position: Media and Recreation Coordinator
Department: Parks and Recreation
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt-Hourly

General Description of Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the media and recreation coordinator designs, organizes, implements, and supervises a wide variety of recreational activities, special events and programs independently or in collaboration with the Director and other department staff.

Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.  Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.  The incumbent is responsible for managing a high volume of tasks, each differing in nature and complexity, requiring a flexible and adaptable approach to the workload.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with development, organizes, implements, and supervises recreation programs, activities, special events, fundraisers, and tournaments.
• Organizes, supervises, and assists with the implementation of youth sports leagues and programs including the development of rosters, schedules, etc. Officiates games as needed.
• Assists with the planning and administration of summer day camp and participates in the training of the summer camp staff.
• Supports program leadership as needed. Fills in when leaders are absent, orders supplies, assist with set up and clean up, etc.
• Assists in the hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of coaches, staff, and volunteers.
• Assists in the Community’s annual special events such as OakFest, Summer Music Series etc.
• Assesses community recreational needs and plans programs accordingly. Evaluate recreational programs, activities and special events. Makes needed adjustments and improvements.
• Communicate regularly with the public, program participants and parents while maintaining professional working relationships. Registers the public for and gives information on programs and activities.
• Maintains, develops, and updates the Towns’ presence on a wide variety of social media platforms and venues.
• Maintains a professional working relationship with the Town Manager, Town Council, Town Employees, Volunteers and RSU18 Personnel.
• Maintains professional working relationships with local businesses, contacting as needed to procure sponsorships.
• Collaborates with Recreation Departments from other Towns as needed to coordinate programs and activities.
• Assists with the development and administration of the annual budget. Makes recommendations to the Director regarding projected revenue and expenses for programs offered.
• Maintains quality service by following departmental guidelines and procedures by enforcing Town standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices and participating in professional societies.
• Performs research, special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

Supervisory Responsibility
Supports the Director with the direct supervision and general guidance of staff, volunteer coaches, summer day camp counselors and all part time program staff.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Town policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include training and development, counseling, discipline and evaluating performances.

Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in recreation or a related subject and one to three years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal or private recreation position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to effectively operate computers and software necessary for the performance of job duties, including Facebook, Instagram and the Town’s website.

Special Requirements
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends and evenings.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands  

• Some work is performed in a normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc. Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and/or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.

• Operates computer, printer, video display terminal, calculator, telephone, copier, fax machine and all other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
• Some work is performed outside in all weather conditions at program sites and at all other locations throughout the community.
• Regularly exposed to hazardous physical conditions such as sun exposure, moving mechanical parts or electrical currents and to hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to atmospheric conditions such as weather changes and to threatening environments or people. Frequent travel is required, operating a motor vehicle.
• Other duties as assigned

Hourly Range: $20-$22/per hour

25 Hours per week

Please email resume with references and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to:

Aaron Parker
Rec Director, Town of Oakland
P.O. Box 187
Oakland, ME 04963

This notice is to inform the citizens that 2025 Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes, which were due on March 12, 2026, remain unpaid.
As a result, interest is now accruing at a rate of 7.5% calculated daily on the outstanding balance until paid in full.

Please be advised that there are currently (503 unpaid 2025 Real Estate tax accounts totaling $635,453.34) and (52 Personal Property accounts totaling $28,107.71)

If payment is not received by Friday, March 27, 2026, the delinquent account will be listed in the Annual Town Report.

Additionally, if payment is not received within the next forty (40) days, the Town will proceed with placing a lien on the property in accordance with applicable Maine law.

We strongly encourage you to remit payment as soon as possible to avoid additional interest, publication, and lien costs. If you have already made payment, please disregard this notice.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your account, please contact the Town Office at 207-465-7357.  We are open Monday – Thursday 7am-5 p.m. You can also pay online  (click here).

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Kelly Pinney-Michaud
Town Manager/Tax Collector