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MEREDA’s Morning Menu – How to Rezone a Town: Lessons Learned During ReCode

Feb 5, 2025 | Events

Aerial view of Portland, ME

Event Details

March 20, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

Location: 
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

About the Event:
On March 20th, MEREDA will host a breakfast event featuring a discussion on Portland’s updated ReCode. ReCode has been a nearly decade-long process of overhauling Portland’s Chapter 14 Land Use Ordinance, with its full adoption occurring in late 2024. This “upzone” of Portland’s zoning will have a tremendous impact on development in the years to come.

Join us for a conversation with Christine Grimando and Brandon Mazer, two of the architects of ReCode, to understand how the process transpired, and what lessons they learned along the way.

Meet our Presenters:
Christine Grimando has been an urban planner in Maine for nearly two decades. Currently a Senior Planning Lead with VHB, she provides consulting services to communities throughout Maine on the topics of land use, housing, transportation, and sustainability. Prior to VHB, Christine served as the Director of Planning and Urban Development for the City of Portland where she oversaw ReCode Phase I and 2, Portland’s Comprehensive Plan, and myriad other development, policy, and long-range planning initiatives relating to housing, transportation planning, climate resilience, preservation, open space design, and zoning and land use. Christine serves on the Board of Directors of GrowSmart Maine. She lives in Portland with her wife and son.

Brandon Mazer is an attorney at Perkins Thompson focused on municipal and business law, and currently serves as Corporation Counsel for the City of South Portland. Prior to joining Perkins Thompson he served as General Counsel for Shipyard Brewing Company for over seven years. He has served on the Portland Planning Board since 2017, serving as Chair for over four years. During his tenure on the Planning Board, Brandon has helped approve over 1600 units of housing and, most notably, lead the Planning Board through both phases of Recode. Brandon is also on the Board of Trustees for the Maine State Music Theatre and the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Maine.

Moderating the program is co-chair of MEREDA’s Local Issues Committee, John Finegan. John joined The Boulos Company in 2020 and is an Associate Broker. He works throughout Greater Portland in all areas of commercial real estate including the buying, selling, and leasing of office, retail, industrial, and multifamily family properties. John also works on ground-up development, with a particular focus on multifamily development and economic policymaking as it relates to development.

Ticket Pricing:
Member $45 | Non-Member $55

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by March 13. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after March 13. Prices increase by $10 after March 13.

Register Here -- https://mereda.org/events/meredas-morning-menu-update-on-portlands-recode/

This event is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

Coming Up Next Month

September

Hannaford Hall88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

wed16sep8:30 am12:30 pmMEREDA's 2026 Fall Conference: The Governor’s Race: Through the Lens of Maine’s Commercial & Residential Real Estate Industry8:30 am - 12:30 pm Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Event Details

September 16, 2026 – 8:00am – 12:00pm

Event Details

September 16, 2026 – 8:00am – 12:00pm

MEREDA Aug2026 260916 Fall Conference 970x250

About the Event:  

Doors Open – 8:00 AM  ( Includes Hot Breakfast Items – Lunch is not provided.)
Registration & Networking – 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Program: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:  
Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME 

 
MEREDA will welcome Democratic Nominee Hannah Pingree, Independent Nominee Rick Bennett, and Republican Nominee Bobby Charles to its Fall Conference on Wednesday, September 16th. 
 
The future of our communities has never been more important. This gubernatorial race brings housing, economic development, and affordability to the forefront. Commercial and residential real estate are at the center of these conversations—from expanding housing opportunities and supporting local businesses to revitalizing downtowns and strengthening our economy. This conference gives each candidate the opportunity to present their vision and solution for these important issues.
 
This event will be informative for MEREDA members and all Maine voters. It will also help set the stage for the next four to eight years of housing and economic policy from the Blaine House.

Ken Entenmann, CFA, Chief Investment Officer & Chief economist at NBT Bank/NBT Wealth Management will provide an economic update.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:

This course has been approved by the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar CLE for 2 Hours of Legal Credits.

This course has been approved by the American Planning Association Northern New England Chapter for 2 Hours of AICP CM Credits.

Application has been made to the Maine Real Estate Commission for 2 Hours of In-Person Continuing Education Credits for Real Estate Licensees and Appraisers. Decisions are Pending.

Application has been submitted to AIA Maine for Architects Credits. Decision is Pending.

Sponsoring a MEREDA event provides great exposure and is a great opportunity to showcase your company For sponsorship inquiries and detailed pricing information, please contact: MEREDA’s Executive Director, Shelly R. Clark or click here for a PDF brochure. 

**  PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE ** 

Sponsors as of

Time

September 16, 2026 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location

Hannaford Hall

88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

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Parking

Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. We strongly encourage you to pre-pay for your parking session before the day of the event.  If you wait until arrival, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking. Commit your license number to memory!  You’ll need it to complete your parking session.   

Parking Instructions (PDF)

Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org

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