ME LD1845

Establishes the Working Waterfront Advisory Council with up to 15 members appointed by the Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs to address issues facing Maine's working waterfronts

Council membership must represent federally recognized Indian nations, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, trade organizations, educational institutions, and working waterfront industries, with geographic distribution along the coast

Members serve 3-year terms, with initial appointments staggered (1/3 each at 1, 2, and 3 years); council must meet at least 4 times per year and elect a chair and vice-chair annually

Council must submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning February 1, 2026, covering working waterfront conditions, challenges, and recommendations on topics including climate resilience, workforce housing, water quality, economic development, and access preservation

Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs must also submit separate annual reports on working waterfront initiatives involving coalitions, task forces, and engagements with municipal and tribal governments