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DRAFT Policy Agenda for Input
Over the last few months, MAHC has engaged members in surveys, interviews, event discussions, and on its new policy committee, to draft a policy agenda to address Maine's housing crisis.
We look forward to your input, building momentum around these ideas, and adapting to events before the legislative session. Your voice matters. Please let us know your thoughts. We want to build one strong voice, together with our partners, so all people in Maine have a home.
MAHC will advocate for the production of new housing affordable for Maine’s workforce and people that need it most; so that supply balances demand. Advocating for more financial resources, incentives, tax credits, and TIFs as well as land use and zoning reforms that allow for more affordable housing development. Supporting policies and programs that grow Maine’s construction workforce, and reduce housing development costs. We believe we must:
i. INVEST IN OUR VALUES – provide ongoing resources to create affordable homes for people working in critical service industries, our seniors, people in need of support, and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Create equitable tax and finance systems that generate revenue that meets the scale of the need.
- Revenue from short term rental properties, housing infrastructure investment, finance ADU development.
ii. REIMAGINE GROWTH - transform how we use land by making it easier and cheaper to develop affordable homes in all communities, including opportunity-rich areas where marginalized populations have been excluded. While we focus on homes for those struggling the most, we recognize that land use and regulatory reforms are needed to allow the private market to create homes for all.
- Assign land for affordable housing development and redevelop commercial for residential. Increase density in targeted areas.
We anticipate being supportive of other legislative initiatives, but not taking a lead on them.
WHY DO WE NEED TO ACT NOW?
In Maine, the opportunity to build healthy, fulfilling lives for our children, our parents, and our families is in jeopardy. A shortage of homes, increasing costs of living, a widening wealth gap, smaller household sizes, a population aging in place, and an influx of people choosing Maine to live and work remotely are all issues affecting our neighborhoods and livelihoods.
Businesses in the meanwhile are experiencing labor shortages and a lack of housing to attract workers they need. These issues are threatening what we love about Maine – a place of natural beauty, offering a home, with opportunity and quality of life.
We are calling on all Mainers to embrace the need for bold change.
- Homes are health care. Homes are economic stability. Homes are mental wellbeing. Homes are safety. Everyone deserves a home.
- Housing is investment. Housing is jobs. Housing is infrastructure. Housing is growing businesses. Housing is thriving communities. Maine deserves housing.
If we choose to act now, we can protect what we love about Maine, while making it a healthier, happier, more prosperous, and more equitable place to live. There has never been a better moment to put Maine on course for economic growth, resiliency, health, and sustainability. Housing is the foundation for ensuring that generations of Mainers have a shot at success.
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