Historic Wins for Housing at the Statehouse
Thanks to the Legislature and Governor Mills, MAHC’s top-priority bills were signed into law. This wouldn’t have been possible without our member organizations, and the organizations we work with on housing policy. This session we saw unprecedented progress on housing.
For the first time ever, Maine has a permanent funding source for housing.
MAHC championed a dedicated revenue stream for housing production—now in the budget thanks to LD 1082—that will grow over time and create affordable homes and shelter for Maine people.
We also helped pass laws that reduce barriers to housing construction, including:
- LD 1829 – Smarter zoning rules and affordable housing incentives
- LD 970 – Streamlined permitting for infill housing
- LD 997 – Allowing residential use in commercial zones
- LD 146 & 1755 – Expanded historic rehab credits, especially in rural areas
- LD 1375, 546, and 1500 – Modernizing building codes, permitting, and financing tools
Important progress was also made in balancing emergency shelter budgets with a one-year increase in shelter funding; and steps were made to preserve affordable housing through resident purchase of manufactured housing park programs.
What’s next?
We’re preparing for next session, when housing bond proposals and other important legislation will be back for consideration.
Thank you to our members, partners such as MEREDA, the Maine State Chamber, Portland Chamber, Maine Homeless Council, Build Maine and Grow Smart Maine, as well as bold leadership from policymakers who made this possible. Together, we’re showing that housing is the solution for many of Maine’s crises.