One of the many things that make Portland unique is its independence. Independent and locally owned business support the community by keeping dollars spent here from flowing out of State.

In the last several years, most of the Hotels developed in Portland are now owned by large corporations or groups outside the State of Maine. Large amounts of money is spent here, yet large amounts of profits often don't remain here.

Downtown Portland is full of locally owned restaurants and shops that have helped create an an amazing and national reputation as the premier foodie town in the USA. You wont find  many " chain" restaurants and stores and we think that a " good" thing. Profits are kept locally.

By signing below, you show support for fully licensed locals who rent apartments on a short term basis; mostly to out of state visitors. And those profits are earned by locals and spent by locals and money is filtered through the local community. That's something every Portlander should support and cheer about!