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Poll results

Maine's lack of affordable housing has become an all-out crisis, and not just in the state's larger cities like Portland and Bangor.

From Bath to Bridgton to Bar Harbor and beyond, communities are struggling to grow and prosper — because soaring home prices and rents are too expensive for many newcomers and young Mainers.

Meanwhile, some longtime residents are trapped, unable to downsize or move from where they are, saying they'd never be able to afford living anywhere else in the state.

Government support for affordable and workforce housing development has eased the crunch, somewhat. And in an effort to spur more housing options, a 2022 state law has loosened local restrictions on development. In effect, single-family zoning is banned statewide and municipalities are required to allow greater housing density.

Some communities have recently responded to the crisis by permitting or even underwriting new affordable housing projects. But other towns, such as Cape Elizabeth and Cumberland, have opposed such proposals, often citing their tax implications.

In your community, would you support a locally funded effort to increase affordable housing?
Yes (60%, 175 VOTES)
No (32%, 94 VOTES)
Undecided (8%, 23 VOTES)
Poll Description

Maine's lack of affordable housing has become an all-out crisis, and not just in the state's larger cities like Portland and Bangor.

From Bath to Bridgton to Bar Harbor and beyond, communities are struggling to grow and prosper — because soaring home prices and rents are too expensive for many newcomers and young Mainers.

Meanwhile, some longtime residents are trapped, unable to downsize or move from where they are, saying they'd never be able to afford living anywhere else in the state.

Government support for affordable and workforce housing development has eased the crunch, somewhat. And in an effort to spur more housing options, a 2022 state law has loosened local restrictions on development. In effect, single-family zoning is banned statewide and municipalities are required to allow greater housing density.

Some communities have recently responded to the crisis by permitting or even underwriting new affordable housing projects. But other towns, such as Cape Elizabeth and Cumberland, have opposed such proposals, often citing their tax implications.

  • 292 Votes
  • 7 Comments
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7 Comments

  • August 14, 2024

    It seems like affordable housing projects just help to squeeze out the middle class who are too wealthy to qualify for affordable housing, but too poor to purchase a home.

  • August 13, 2024

    Alas, every comment here except the person in Cape Elizabeth is pinpointing the reason we don't have more housing: the "I'm alright Jack" virus. You-all know the positive effects more housing will have for Maine community as a whole. I am certainly heartened by the majority who would accept more housing. And I am proud that leading people here in Freeport are moving in that direction.

  • August 13, 2024

    Where do you expect to get the talent to build new housing. I know the industry well enough to know , there are likely only a few builders and subs who are not working full time on multiple projects, with many projects full renovation taking 2-3 years. If not, working I would question their expertise or reputation .
    Land in Maine is valuable like gold and held for future generations. Not for accommodating the whim of government who has caused every known crisis we presently face.

  • Joe K
    August 12, 2024

    If municipalities are so concerned about affordable housing.... then let them develop their municipal golf courses into areas for affordable housing to be built. Proceeds from the land and home sales MUST be used to reduce the school property tax for existing home owners.

  • Jamie Garvin
    August 12, 2024

    Absolutely I would (and do!) I live in Cape Elizabeth and was appalled at the shortsighted and narrow-minded opposition to a well-conceived project from a highly-respected developer that was scuttled by a vocal NIMBY minority.