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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 12, 2024

    Now ask folks what kind of housing they consider "affordable". I say this because the definition currently used by government is the HUD definition. Frankly, the HUD definition is way too high and few of their units are affordable here in Maine. People on Social Security, or some sort of disability coverage, or GA etc. just can't afford $1500+ per month. Take a look at the most recent units in Portland. What is the rate for a single one-bed or studio? Can you afford that rate monthly?

    No! You can't afford much more than $500 per month - if that. Some publicly subsidized units are $300 or below.

  • August 12, 2024

    It seems like a lot of the affordable housing is going to people here illegally or New Mainers instead of citizens. So I don't want any more of my tax dollars going toward this.