NEWS | Mayor LaFountain appoints Jessica Muise to fill vacant Ward 4 city council seat

If confirmed by the city council on Tuesday, Muise will take over the seat that was vacated earlier this month by the resignation of Dylan Doughty

CONTRIBUTED STORY | City of Biddeford

Mayor Liam LaFountain has nominated Jessica Muise as the City of Biddeford’s next City Councilor for Ward 4. Muise would fill the seat made vacant by former Councilor Dylan Doughty for the remainder of the current term, which expires in December 2027. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the City Council on Tuesday, September 1.

“I am honored to be nominated to serve Ward 4 on the City Council,” Muise said. “I look forward to working with the Mayor, my fellow councilors, city staff, and residents on the priorities that matter most to Biddeford.”

**JESSICA MUISE** | *City of Biddeford Photo*

Muise has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit arts and culture sector, including work as an executive director, program manager, consultant, and board member. She currently runs a consulting practice that supports nonprofits with strategy, organizational capacity, governance, and fiscal health.

Muise also chairs the Biddeford Public Art Commission, serves as Acting Chair of the Governing Body of the Cultural Alliance of Maine, previously served on Biddeford’s Historic Preservation Commission, and volunteers with the Biddeford Food Pantry.

“Her service on municipal commissions,
nonprofit leadership experience
and understanding of the issues
facing Ward 4 will bring
a valuable perspective to the council.”
— Mayor Liam LaFountain

If confirmed, among Muise’s top priorities would be planning for the future use of the former JFK School and J. Richard Martin Community Center, addressing housing affordability, and improving traffic and pedestrian safety. She has also emphasized the importance of giving residents accessible opportunities to participate in decisions affecting Ward 4 while connecting their concerns with work already underway across the City.

Council President Roger Beaupre and Mayor LaFountain interviewed applicants for the vacant seat over the past week. The interviews focused on each applicant’s experience, priorities for Ward 4, approach to representing residents, and ability to work with councilors holding different perspectives.

LaFountain and Beaupre thanked the applicants for their interest in serving Ward 4 and for participating in the process.

“Muise’s service on municipal commissions, nonprofit leadership experience, and understanding of the issues facing Ward 4 will bring a valuable perspective to the City Council,” LaFountain said. “She understands the importance of preparation, listening to residents, and working constructively with people who may hold different views. I look forward to working with her, subject to confirmation by the city council.”

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