Tackling Maine’s Housing Affordability Crisis
Maine is experiencing an unprecedented housing affordability crisis, with limited housing supply, skyrocketing costs, and restrictive policies that continue to strain communities statewide. The inability to build sufficient housing has created significant barriers for businesses, young families, and workers who wish to remain and thrive in Maine.
Several alarming statistics highlight the urgency of Maine’s housing crisis:
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Maine’s median home price has increased nearly 50% in the past five years (Maine Association of Realtors).
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More than 25,000 affordable housing units are needed statewide to meet current demand (Maine State Housing Authority).
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Rental vacancy rates in major Maine cities consistently remain below 2%, significantly lower than the national average (U.S. Census Bureau).
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Over 50% of renters in Maine spend more than 30% of their income on housing, exceeding the threshold considered affordable (National Low Income Housing Coalition).
Maine for Keeps is committed to confronting this critical issue head-on by advocating for policy reforms that enable greater housing development. We bring together housing experts, policymakers, local communities, and business leaders to identify and address the policy bottlenecks constraining the market.
Our efforts focus on:
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Encouraging policy shifts that remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles, streamlining processes to allow for more efficient, responsible housing construction.
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Promoting the conversation around zoning and land-use reforms that align with community needs while stimulating development.
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Facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to develop innovative, sustainable housing solutions that are affordable and accessible.
By addressing the policy barriers that have long restricted housing development, Maine for Keeps aims to unlock new opportunities for growth, stability, and prosperity across the state. Together, we can foster a healthier housing market where all Mainers have the chance to secure affordable homes and build brighter futures.