Maine is making a significant move to tackle its growing housing crisis with a new coalition called “Build Homes Build Community.” This group includes business leaders, housing advocates, and community organizations. They all recognize that the state’s housing shortage is not just a real estate problem; it is also an economic, workforce, and community issue. Reports from WGME and The Portland Press Herald show that this coalition aims to unite the public and private sectors to expand housing opportunities throughout Maine. Their main focus is on developing affordable homes for working families.

For years, the state has struggled with a housing shortage that affects nearly everyone, from young professionals and first-time homebuyers to retirees and seasonal workers. Rising home prices, limited availability of homes, and increasing construction costs have caused a bottleneck that hampers economic growth and restricts opportunities for individuals and communities. Business leaders in Maine have voiced concerns about how the lack of affordable housing affects their ability to attract and keep employees. Many job candidates have turned down offers simply because they cannot find nearby housing. The housing shortage is not limited to urban areas like Portland; it is also spreading to smaller towns and rural regions where the number of available homes hasn’t kept pace with demand.

This situation has led to the formation of the “Build Homes Build Community” initiative. The coalition includes voices from various industries—business groups, nonprofit housing organizations, real estate professionals, developers, and civic leaders—who know that housing is key to Maine’s economic health. The name of the coalition emphasizes that building homes goes beyond construction; it strengthens the social and economic fabric of communities. When people can live close to their jobs, afford stable housing, and invest in their neighborhoods, entire communities flourish. The coalition’s founders understand that housing is the foundation for schools, businesses, and local services.

According to WGME, the coalition’s early focus is on advocating for policies that can unlock new housing development while addressing rules and financial barriers that have hindered progress. Members of “Build Homes Build Community” argue that zoning rules, high material costs, and a lack of skilled workers have all slowed new housing construction. They hope to coordinate efforts between the private and public sectors to find solutions that can simplify development, strengthen local infrastructure, and promote a mix of housing types—from single-family homes to multi-unit apartments and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The Portland Press Herald highlights that one of the driving forces behind the coalition is the recognition that Maine’s housing challenges are linked to its workforce issues. Many of the state’s largest employers—from hospitals and manufacturers to hospitality businesses—are struggling to fill open positions. Often, potential workers cannot find affordable housing within a reasonable commuting distance. This situation leads to staffing shortages in essential sectors, including health care, education, and tourism. Business leaders believe that housing is a crucial part of the economic puzzle, and the coalition’s formation marks a shift in how Maine’s private sector approaches what was once seen as a purely social issue.

The coalition is also stressing the need for diverse housing options. In recent years, much of Maine’s new residential construction has focused on higher-end markets, like luxury homes and waterfront properties, catering to out-of-state buyers. Meanwhile, workforce housing and affordable rental units have fallen behind. “Build Homes Build Community” aims to change this by prioritizing projects and policies that create housing accessible to middle- and lower-income families. This includes not just affordable housing developments but also innovative ideas like small-scale infill projects, repurposing underused buildings, and mixed-income communities. The goal is to foster inclusivity and economic balance, ensuring that teachers, nurses, restaurant staff, and young families can all live in the same neighborhoods where they work.

The economic impact of Maine’s housing shortage is significant. The lack of affordable housing has been identified as a major factor limiting economic growth in various regions. When workers cannot afford to live near job centers, businesses struggle to expand. Towns face challenges in providing essential services, and the workforce becomes more strained. Housing insecurity often leads to higher turnover rates, lower employee satisfaction, and difficulty attracting new talent. Over time, these issues erode the economic stability of both small towns and larger cities. By linking economic and housing goals, “Build Homes Build Community” hopes to reverse these negative trends and set Maine on a path for sustainable, inclusive growth.

A key aspect of the coalition’s efforts is education and public awareness. Many people in Maine recognize that housing prices have skyrocketed, but fewer understand the systemic issues behind the crisis. By sharing data, case studies, and real-life examples, the coalition aims to help build public support for policies that favor housing. This includes encouraging towns to review zoning laws that may hinder multi-family development, backing state funding for affordable housing construction, and advocating for incentives for workforce housing. Working with policymakers will be crucial, as local regulations and state-level initiatives often determine whether housing projects succeed.

Maine’s state government has already taken steps in recent years to tackle housing supply problems. Legislative initiatives have aimed to broaden the types of housing permitted in residential zones and to provide funding for new developments. The Maine State Housing Authority’s Affordable Housing Program and other grants have funded the construction and repair of low-income housing. However, advocates argue that the scale of the issue requires a far more extensive and coordinated effort, involving not just public agencies but also private businesses and investors. “Build Homes Build Community” aims to fill that gap by bringing together the stakeholders who can collectively drive forward progress.

Maine’s housing shortage has unique elements tied to the state's geography and population. Many areas are rural, with limited access to construction materials and utilities, making housing development expensive. The state’s aging population also adds to the challenge, as many older homeowners stay in large family homes, reducing turnover in the housing market. Furthermore, the influx of remote workers and out-of-state buyers attracted by Maine’s scenic beauty and quality of life has increased demand significantly. These factors create a situation where demand keeps rising while supply struggles to catch up. The coalition understands that solving this problem will involve not only building new homes but also addressing the underlying issues that limit housing availability and affordability.

A crucial part of the coalition’s message is that housing is infrastructure. Just as roads, bridges, and broadband are essential for economic growth, housing is also crucial. Without enough places for people to live, businesses cannot operate efficiently, schools struggle to attract teachers, and hospitals have difficulty recruiting nurses. This perspective connects the housing discussion to broader economic and community development goals. By treating housing as a shared responsibility rather than a market issue to resolve on its own, Maine’s leaders hope to lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

Some early proposals among coalition members include advocating for faster permitting processes, increasing state funding for affordable housing projects, supporting regional planning initiatives, and investing in workforce housing near major job centers. There is also a focus on collaboration between employers and housing developers. For example, some Maine companies are exploring employer-assisted housing programs, where businesses help with housing costs or finance new constructions in their areas. These innovative partnerships could set a precedent for how private industry can actively participate in solving the housing crisis.

The coalition’s work is gaining traction because people increasingly recognize that housing affordability affects everyone—not just low-income families. Even middle-income households find it hard to buy or rent in some parts of Maine, especially in coastal and southern areas. Teachers, police officers, healthcare workers, and other essential staff frequently cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Coalition leaders stress that creating affordable housing means ensuring a balanced supply of homes for all income levels. This includes workforce housing for moderate-income earners, smaller starter homes for young families, and accessible housing for seniors.

By framing housing as a shared economic priority, “Build Homes Build Community” has won broad support from Maine’s business sector. Chambers of commerce, construction companies, banks, and local employers view the coalition as an opportunity to contribute to a solution that benefits both workers and businesses. As the initiative grows, its supporters hope to influence policy discussions at the state level and encourage more investment in housing development. The coalition’s success will depend on teamwork, persistence, and translating advocacy into real action, but early signs indicate that Maine’s leaders are ready to face the challenge head-on.

The effort also carries cultural importance for Maine, a state known for its close-knit communities and strong sense of place. The coalition’s name, “Build Homes Build Community,” highlights that housing is about more than just buildings; it relates to belonging, stability, and opportunity. Affordable housing allows people to establish roots, support local businesses, and engage in community life. When residents can afford to live where they work, communities become more vibrant, schools become stronger, and volunteerism increases. In this light, the coalition’s work goes beyond economics; it focuses on preserving and enhancing the very character of Maine.

As the initiative continues to grow, challenges will arise. Balancing development with environmental protection, maintaining Maine’s rural character, and ensuring fair distribution of housing investments are complex issues that require careful planning. However, the coalition’s approach—based on cooperation rather than conflict—provides a hopeful model for progress. By aligning the interests of business leaders, housing advocates, and policymakers, Maine is demonstrating how states can unite to tackle the housing crisis effectively.

In the future, the success of “Build Homes Build Community” will likely be measured not only by the number of new housing units built but also by the stability and inclusiveness of Maine’s towns and cities. If the coalition realizes its vision, Maine could serve as a model for how small states with significant challenges can come together for meaningful change. By recognizing that housing is both a basic human need and an economic necessity, Maine is taking an important step toward building not just homes, but stronger and more resilient communities for years to come.