ROCKLAND — The federal government’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan of 2021 ultimately designated more than $756,737 in relief funds to the City of Rockland. Much of it has been used for city infrastructure and technology. Of that, however, the City Council agreed in December 2021 that $30,000  should be distributed according to citizenry wishes through a participatory budgeting method.

From Sept. 15 to Sept. 22, Rockland residents are encouraged to vote on a proposals submitted by the community, as organized by the Rockland Participatory Budgeting Committee. 

Votes can be cast online at rocklandmaine.gov/rebound, or via paper ballots at City Hall and in the Rockland Public Library.

Rockland residents age 12 and up may cast a ballot, voting for 1 proposal in the $10,000 category, and for up to four proposals in the $5,000 category. Details on voting eligibility are available on the project FAQ page.

“The committee is delighted with how many creative, diverse proposals we received,” said Sarah Austin, Rockland City Councilor and committee liaison, “All of these projects are very worthy of funding, and we hope everyone eligible will vote to support their favorite proposals.”

Proposals on the ballot are (in no particular order):

Winter heating assistance funds for Rockland residents in need

Improving and maintaining Rockland sidewalks, and increasing ADA accessibility

Support the Rockland Rotary Club’s construction of an Inclusive Playground for children and adults of all abilities at MacDougal Park

Maintenance and upgrades for the Friends House residence of the Midcoast Recovery Coalition 

Support the work of The Landing Place in serving youth at high risk of experiencing unstable housing, food insecurity, and other adversity

Support the work of the Coastal Children’s Museum to offer environmental and marine science-related activities for local children

Support the work of Trekkers to offer youth mentoring and leadership training through outdoor, experiential and travel-based education

Support the work of the Restorative Justice Project Maine in the Knox County Community Justice Hub to to implement strategies for improving community safety and belonging while reducing substance-use-related crimes.

Support conceptual designs and planning of the skate park portion of the Rockland Area Multiuse Park

Plant fruit and nut trees for public access and community harvest to fight food insecurity

Support the ongoing creation of the Waterfront to Wilderness Trail by the Georges River Land Trust, Sidecountry Trails, and the City of Rockland

Support the work of the Knox County Homeless Coalition via supplying backpacks filled with immediately useful items for people experiencing crisis

Support and expand the free youth sailing programs at the Apprenticeshop

Support the work of Out Maine by funding local trainings for community provider professionals on Building Welcoming and Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ youth

The volunteer Participatory Budgeting Committee developed the parameters for the proposals and voting. Direct any questions to rocklandrebound@gmail.com.