MaineHousing has in the last month announced more than $30 million in funding to boost construction of single-family homes and apartments.
affordable housing
Maine housing advocates warn of coming ‘tsunami’ of USDA foreclosures on rural homes
The Department of Agriculture says it’s clearing a backlog of 400 foreclosures and more than 800 delinquencies left by the Biden administration. But local housing advocates say the crisis was years in the making and that the USDA has always been slow to act when its borrowers default.
Maine lawmakers still betting on accessory dwelling units to help end housing crisis
Following the passage of a landmark law in 2022, a bill seeks to further encourage the construction of small housing units also known as in-law suites.
Maine takes first step toward more accurately tracking efforts to resolve housing crisis
A bill to require Maine cities and towns to report annual home construction data is headed for the House — but without bipartisan support or a mandate that all municipalities participate.
Legislation could create starter home program modeled after Lewiston project
Amy Smith, executive director of Healthy Homeworks, said a state program could close the financing gap for renovating aging housing stock for first-time homebuyers.
Maine lawmakers consider raising taxes on home sales over $1M
A bill would increase the real estate transfer tax on some of the state’s most expensive properties to fund affordable housing initiatives. But it would also give some tax relief to first-time home buyers.
Mobile homeowners back bill to help them fight sales to investors
Maine lawmakers are weighing several bills designed to protect mobile homeowners, including one that would give residents the right of first refusal if their park comes up for sale.
Maine mobile home owners are pushing back against private investors
Residents are buying their parks and proposing rent control ordinances to fend off cost increases that have been introduced after parks have sold to capital equity firms.
What 4 Maine mobile home residents say about park ownership
Residents of four mobile home parks share how they fought private investors — with varying degrees of success.
Lewiston launches campaign, highlights economic growth
The campaign focuses on accomplishments in housing, investment, social services, and more that’s to come.