Let's Connect

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.