Government funding

Recent legislative action will have some positive impact on the housing shortage, but advocates stress there is more work to be done to reach the state’s goal of creating 84,000 more homes by 2030.

The program is designed to boost affordable rental housing development. It provides up to $10 million annually, with a maximum possible allocation of $15 million in any one year, including carried-forward credits.

The proposed FY 2027 city budget for Portland, if approved, is estimated to raise property taxes by 4.2%, increasing the average homeowner’s bill by $130. It also recommends eliminating 74 staff positions.

Maine’s modular construction industry hit a regulatory roadblock this month, which is expected to derail hundreds of planned housing units. A temporary funding allocation may rescue a handful of projects.

The city is replacing its aged fire stations with two new buildings, and broke ground Tuesday on the first project — the new headquarters in south Sanford. A second district station is planned to be built on Payne Street in Springvale, starting in March 2027.

Grant funds may be used for legal or compliance support, employee communication, assistance with application fees, improvements to HR tracking, or other workforce support strategies.

Hosted by SCORE Maine and credit card company VISA, the program, organized by SCORE, aimed to help the attendees strengthen their businesses and increase customer loyalty.

The department's three-year blueprint outlines $4.5 billion in transportation investments across the state.

Maine Connectivity Authority has received $48.4 million of the $272 million in federal funding originally allocated to improve internet service.

Funds are available for properties that retain their use for fishing, aquaculture and closely related commercial marine activities.