Maine Business Leaders Create Coalition to Tackle Housing Crisis

Maine's most recognized business and industry leaders will work together to promote solutions, advocate for pro-housing policy, and empower all Maine people to get involved

Maine is facing an unprecedented shortage of homes, across all income levels, which is impacting quality of life. Businesses are closing due to staffing shortages; essential workers can't live in the towns they serve; older adults can't downsize; and Maine cannot replenish its aging workforce because young families can't find appropriate housing. The state needs to add 80,000 units by 2030 to meet future needs. Recognizing that housing is the solution to many of Maine's social and economic challenges, a group of experienced business and industry leaders, nonprofits and trade associations have forged Build Homes Build Community, a collaborative coalition that will serve as a statewide pro-housing advocate and resource.

"Maine's housing shortage undermines all our communities and our entire statewide economy," said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO, Maine State Chamber of Commerce. "The coalition aims to change Maine's trajectory, implement pragmatic housing solutions that will unlock housing development across our state and allow our communities and economy to thrive ," Woodcock added.

Led by respected member organizations including the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, Maine Real Estate & Development Association, Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Build Homes Build Community will advocate for pro-housing policy, educate Maine people on how to support housing in their communities, and amplify awareness for the impacts of by Maine's housing shortage. The campaign goals are to raise overall public support for housing, reduce barriers to production, and encourage municipalities to guide development in their own communities.

"Every person and every community in Maine is already experiencing stress related to the shortage, whether it's realized or not," said Laura Mitchell, Executive Director, Maine Affordable Housing Coalition. "We hope to humanize the impacts and demonstrate that housing is the solution to strengthened local economies, a stable and growing workforce, and strong, safe communities," Mitchell added.

"Maine's essential workforce is in a difficult place," said Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association for Community Service Providers. "Far too many direct care and essential workers can't afford housing in the communities where they are needed. We must collaborate to support them and the thousands of Mainers who rely on them each day. Public health and safety will continue to suffer without a solution," Cordes said.

From 2020 to 2024, the median home price increased by 50% in Maine, while wages only increased by 33%. The starting salary for Maine teachers is $40,000, and $65,000for Maine State Police officers, yet the current median home price is $100,000. Maine's housing challenges stem from a variety of factors, which include historic under production, an aging and declining workforce, increased in migration post COVID, and an increase of existing inventory purchased and transitioned to vacation homes.

"I am at risk of being priced out of my community and I don't want to leave," said Wendy Gallant, Owner, Miss Maple's Nature House. "Harrison is a beautiful lakeside town and out-of-state buyers have realized that, which is driving up prices. My adult children can't afford to return home, and it will be difficult for me to downsize," Gallant said. "The lack of housing has created staffing shortages at my daycare, and when people don't have reliable care, they can't go to work," she added. In Harrison, Gallant noted that school enrollment has declined for twelve years in a row and the district is now at risk for consolidation.

The economic impact of the shortage is being felt by employers, small and large, in every corner of Maine. Many have reduced hours or closed their doors completely, while others have built or rented housing private accommodations just to maintain staffing levels.

"I've lost at least a dozen employees because they can't afford to live here," said Portland Restaurateur Mike Fraser. In August of 2025, Fraser closed two of his Portland restaurants partially due to the lack of housing affordability and availability. "Unfortunately, we will continue to see our favorite restaurants and retailers close their doors unless we work together to bring housing production up," Fraser added. Tripadvisor ranked Portland #8 for the Best of the Best Food City Award in 2025, and for decades it has shaped Maine's tourism industry and local culture.

"We have been part of the community in Maine for nearly 100 years and we hear daily that members are struggling to stretch every dollar just to afford a home near their jobs," said Kathy Hall, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Lighthouse Credit Union. "Our credit union is working to put 50,000 Maine people in homes over the next five years, and we know we can't do that alone - we are proud to collaboratively support initiatives that increase housing production," Hall said.

"We can all agree that working together is the only way Maine will hit its aggressive housing goals. We need Augusta to reduce barriers, provide incentives, and create pro-housing policies. We need municipalities to support and guide growth, and we need everyone to get educated and engaged to become an advocate in their own communities," said Shannon Richards, President, Maine Real Estate & Development Association.

"We all want to protect what makes Maine special, but without action, that is at risk. I am hopeful that this initiative will serve as another example of traditional Maine ingenuity and strategic collaboration," said Quincy Hentzel, Executive Director, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To get involved and stay informed, visit Build Homes Build Community.

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