About ORA
The Ogunquit Residents Alliance (ORA) was formed in 2016 by a small group of local residents. As a grass roots organization, we have grown by word of mouth. Our goal has been to be the voice of residents in our communication on Town issues and government. To this end, we produced summaries of Warrant Articles on the Town ballots and joined with the League of Women Voters to sponsor Candidates Nights. Through meetings and surveys, we have elicited priority concerns of our supporters, and we have selected projects based on community needs and deficiencies.
We believe in respectful, honest and open discussion on issues which effect us all. We believe in civility and ethical behavior. We promote accurate information and research. We endeavor to protect our natural resources, our health and safety, our Town land use and municipal infrastructure.
We encourage all those who live and work in Ogunquit interested in the purpose and goals of ORA to participate as supporters of the organization. As a non-profit, independent organization, we are supported by donations. Please go to Join Our Mailing List to receive our bulletins, Town ballot information, newsletters and to learn more about ORA projects.
We believe in respectful, honest and open discussion on issues which effect us all. We believe in civility and ethical behavior. We promote accurate information and research. We endeavor to protect our natural resources, our health and safety, our Town land use and municipal infrastructure.
We encourage all those who live and work in Ogunquit interested in the purpose and goals of ORA to participate as supporters of the organization. As a non-profit, independent organization, we are supported by donations. Please go to Join Our Mailing List to receive our bulletins, Town ballot information, newsletters and to learn more about ORA projects.
Community Priorities
Since its inception, ORA has elicited feedback from community participants. There have been three such major events and surveys.
2016-2017
At a meeting in July 2017, the five (former) ORA sub-committees reported on the key objectives reflected from their six months of gathering community input. The sub-committees consisted of Finance, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Preserving Town Character and Research. This work resulted in members joining many of the Town committees and an increase of attendance at Select Board meetings. These objectives included:
2018
In September 2018, at an ORA Open House, participants identified their top priorities on large poster boards. Topics were gathered from input by various attendees. The major topics were Conservation, Traffic and Parking, Boards and Committees, Code Enforcement, Housing, Land Use, and Others.
2020
An online survey conducted in the fall of 2020 was sent to 240 ORA supporters with 77 respondents (32%). See those survey results. The beach bathhouses and Route #1 ranked highest on Town improvements followed by paving and improvements at the Cove & Beach awning area. The five areas of focus and concern were deemed:
Summary
Consistently, conservation, land use and Town character have featured prominently in community feedback on concerns and priorities. As a result, these have contributed to the selection of articles and focus for the Breeze monthly newsletter, started in December 2020.
2016-2017
At a meeting in July 2017, the five (former) ORA sub-committees reported on the key objectives reflected from their six months of gathering community input. The sub-committees consisted of Finance, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Preserving Town Character and Research. This work resulted in members joining many of the Town committees and an increase of attendance at Select Board meetings. These objectives included:
- Ease congestion by getting more people walking and more cars off the road
- Ensure that Ogunquit continues to retain its character and charm
- Evaluate the effect of seasonal rentals on the neighborhoods of those who live there
- Determine appropriate revenue streams to support the tourist business in Ogunquit
- Assess the "Employee Business Pass" parking program
- Create a living environment for aging lifestyles
- Enhance communication between Town leaders and Town residents
2018
In September 2018, at an ORA Open House, participants identified their top priorities on large poster boards. Topics were gathered from input by various attendees. The major topics were Conservation, Traffic and Parking, Boards and Committees, Code Enforcement, Housing, Land Use, and Others.
2020
An online survey conducted in the fall of 2020 was sent to 240 ORA supporters with 77 respondents (32%). See those survey results. The beach bathhouses and Route #1 ranked highest on Town improvements followed by paving and improvements at the Cove & Beach awning area. The five areas of focus and concern were deemed:
- Sustain and conserve natural resources
- Ensure all citizens voices are heard
- Town development and growth
- Beach erosion and water quality
- Ogunquit's unique character
Summary
Consistently, conservation, land use and Town character have featured prominently in community feedback on concerns and priorities. As a result, these have contributed to the selection of articles and focus for the Breeze monthly newsletter, started in December 2020.
