Save the Date
Aug 2: Member's Meeting, 9-10:30 am, at MaineHousing, 26 Edison Drive, Augusta
Sept: Virtual Member Interactive Discussion, Topic TBD
Oct 4: Member's Meeting, 9-10:30 am, TBD in person
Nov 17: MAHC Conference, 8 am - 4 pm, Westin Portland Harborview - Sign Up as a Sponsor here.
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MAHC DRAFT Strategic Plan for Feedback
MAHC's board is developing a strategic plan that will inform specific legislative advocacy action, launch new work groups such as a policy committee, and drive organizational development. MAHC seeks member feedback on this draft plan. Reach out directly to Laura or a MAHC board member with your input.
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Diane Yentel, NLIHC President and CEO Announced as MAHC Housing Policy Conference Keynote Speaker
MAHC is thrilled to announced that Diane Yentel from the National Low Income Housing Coalition will be the keynote speaker at our November 17th Housing Policy Conference at the Portland Westin Harborview. Registration coming soon. Organizations interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event, please contact Laura or Nancy at EventsYourWay.
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Call for Nominations: MAHC's Mitchell Award
The Elizabeth H. Mitchell Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing Maine’s affordable housing problems. It was first awarded in 2009 to Senate President Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell, in recognition of her many years of commitment to housing issues, both as a director of Maine State Housing Authority and in her role as a state legislator.
In subsequent years, the award has been given to House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, House Speaker Hannah Pingree, Senator Chris Rector, Representative Andre Cushing, MaineHousing chairman Peter Anastos, Representative Peggy Rotundo, House Speaker Mark Eves, Senator Amy Volk, Senator Roger Katz, Representative Jared Golden and Governor Janet Mills. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE BY 8/31. The MAHC Board will review and announce the recipient at the Nov. 17th Conference.
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Sign On To the Federal Eviction Crisis Act
MAHC has signed on to the Federal Eviction Crisis Act in partnership with the National Low Income Housing Coalition's advocacy efforts. The bipartisan bill would create a permanent emergency rental assistance program to provide financial assistance and stability services to low-income households facing an unexpected economic shock. If passed, the cost-effective tools established by this bill would ensure that households are stabilized quickly and effectively before facing the risk of eviction and, in worst cases, homelessness. More than 500 organizations have signed on, and we hope many more from Maine will join. Click here to sign-on!
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Narrative on Housing in Maine MAHC Interactive Discussion Slides & Recording
MAHC hosted the national Housing Narrative Lab and 40+ members for a rich discussion on the message around housing in Maine, and what works for language and narrative to engage or persuade different audiences. Slides presented by Marisol Bello, director of the HNL here. A recording of the zoom discussion here. Access code: CCCq78$T. Slides with notes from the discussion here. We look forward to a follow up session with Marisol and the Housing Narrative Lab in the coming weeks to craft an aligned, updated housing narrative for Maine that leverages their messaging research. Reach out to us here if you want to be a part of that discussion.
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$10.4 Million HUD and VA Funding - Rehab of LI Veteran's Homes
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough announced the availability of $10.4 million through the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program (VHRMP) for the rehabilitation of the homes of Veterans with low-incomes and disabilities. Applications due 8/24. Click here for more.
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Maine Building and Codes Board Update from AGC: New Sprinkler System Rule
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Maine’s Technical Codes and Standard Board (Known as the MUBEC Board), is considering the 2021 edition of the International Code Council (ICC) Codes. The 2021 changes to the ICC include the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) require nearly all buildings to be protected by a sprinkler system. This change is in harmony with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 code and the additional family of codes published by the NFPA. In past code considerations, the ICC has not extended the sprinkler requirements to one and two-family dwellings. However, Maine’s Technical and Standards Board has previously rejected the additional code and presently, under MUBEC, no sprinklers are required in those dwellings. As many of you know, some communities have developed local ordinances that adopt the sprinkler requirement. To our knowledge, only three states have adopted the code as written. AGC Maine’s Building Committee would like feedback from members on this issue as the debate moves along within the Board.
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Maine State Housing Rules Update from AGC - Heating and Cooling Implemented
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Building policies have been modified at the Governor’s office’s request on some affordable housing units that will change the design and construction process. In a move to reduce the carbon footprint, the Maine State Housing Authority has rules that eliminate the use of traditional heating systems for electric heat/cooling. Additionally, the MSHA will ensure that properties in the following programs are Electric Vehicle charging station ready, and solar-ready:
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New projects that fall into three categories will require electric heat sources, solar prepped, and electrical vehicle charging stations prepped:
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Projects subject to the QAP Federal Tax Credit program will be required to have Solar and EV prepared.
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Housing Narrative - Participate in Research
The National Homelessness Law Center has a research fellow working to identify ways to change the narrative that will overcome community push/back to building and providing housing and homeless services. They are seeking input from developers, homeless shelters and other social service providers, local governments and key stakeholders.
Your answers will be used by the National Homelessness Law Center to better inform how we can best help our partners address pushback from people who do not want services in their communities. Reach out to Nitan Shanas, Emerson Hunger Fellow at National Homelessness Law Center.
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Submit Your News
MAHC invites you to share case studies of projects, events, research, analysis of policy or other relevant tidbits to include in our newsletter. Email Laura for more information or to submit your piece.
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Meet Laura Mitchell, new Director of MAHC
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Over the next few months in my new role as MAHC Director I look forward to meeting many of you in person or via Zoom. I want to understand your business challenges and how MAHC can support Maine in meeting it's need for 1,000 new units of quality, affordable housing a year. Please find a time on this calendar when we can meet. These 30-minute meetings are over zoom. The link is included in your calendar invitation. Feel free to book two 30-minute blocks together if you'd like more time. Thank you and I will see you soon.
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