Kelley Bouchard

Staff Writer

Kelley writes about Maine businesses large and small, focusing on economic development, workforce initiatives and the state’s leading business organizations. Her wider experience includes municipal and state government, immigration, education, transportation, history, human rights, health and elder care, the environment and the housing crisis. A Maine native and University of Maine graduate, she was a college intern for two summers at the former Lewiston Evening Journal. She previously worked at the Ipswich Chronicle, Beverly Times and Salem Evening News in Massachusetts. Favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking, streaming foreign TV series and kayaking at camp.

English language learners, special education students increase in South Portland

by Kelley Bouchard January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

But overall enrollment, free lunch eligibility and homelessness decline, superintendent says in State of the Schools presentation.

Maine

Battle over short-term rentals polarizes South Portland neighborhoods

by Kelley Bouchard January 23, 2018January 22, 2018

While some opponents see many Airbnb-type rentals as illegal inns, the City Council is pursuing a new ordinance that would license and regulate ‘hosted stays’ and other short-term rentals.

Business, Life & Culture, Maine, News

Money Magazine says South Portland is the best place to live in Maine

by Kelley Bouchard January 19, 2018January 19, 2018

The magazine credits the city’s coastal location, historical landmarks, low unemployment and projected job growth.

Maine, News

Hundreds at Portland’s Martin Luther King dinner renew call to achieve his vision

by Kelley Bouchard January 15, 2018January 16, 2018

A King Middle School seventh-grader energizes the crowd with her poem, and nine religious leaders arrested for protesting at Sen. Susan Collins’ office also draw cheers from the audience.