Bangor council weighs nonprofit hub update, budget process, immigration ordinances

The Bangor City Council held a workshop on February 9, 2026, hearing an update on the United Way's new nonprofit hub at 700 Mount Hope Avenue, which was funded in part by a $400,000 ARPA award from the city. The council also discussed the upcoming budget process and reviewed two proposed immigration enforcement ordinances, with the city solicitor raising legal concerns about both.

Key points

• United Way representatives Matt Donahue and CEO Shira Patterson presented on the nonprofit hub at 700 Mount Hope Avenue, which opened after a June 27 closing and about three and a half months of renovations; four offices are already rented through word of mouth.
• City Manager Carollynn Lear outlined the budget timeline: department heads are preparing requests, she will meet with them internally, and a city manager's proposed budget will go to the council in early to mid-April.
• Councilor Joseph Leonard said he plans to attend school committee meetings and meet with committee members to improve coordination on the school budget.
• Councilor Michael Beck presented a proposed ordinance barring city funds, facilities, and personnel from federal civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, saying it protects taxpayers and public safety.
• Councilor Susan Faloon described accounts of local immigrant families living in fear, including detentions and deportations, and said the Maine Multicultural Center has begun a legal clinic; 18 families have signed up.
• City Solicitor David Szewczyk said he had only a few days to review the ordinances and could not recommend passage as written, citing a possible 14th Amendment Equal Protection problem in Faloon's proposed hiring restriction on former ICE agents and employment law concerns in Beck's ordinance.

Next steps

• The council will receive the city manager's proposed budget in early to mid-April, followed by a series of review meetings before a final vote.
• Councilors were invited to the superintendent's budget presentation on Wednesday at 7 p.m., with a Zoom option available.
• The legal department will analyze the proposed ordinances for conflicts with federal and state law, including LD 1971, which is expected to take effect around July.
• The revised legislative committee ordinance changes are on the full council agenda for first reading.

Read the full transcript