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				<img width=»1200″ height=»563″ src=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?w=1200″ class=»attachment-newspack-featured-image size-newspack-featured-image wp-post-image» alt=»» data-hero-candidate=»1″ fetchpriority=»high» decoding=»async» srcset=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg 3000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=300,141 300w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=768,360 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=1024,480 1024w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=1536,720 1536w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=2048,961 2048w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=1200,563 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=2000,938 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=780,366 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?resize=400,188 400w» sizes=»(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px» data-attachment-id=»7628266″ data-permalink=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/20/what-housing-bills-will-wont-or-might-become-law-in-maine-this-year/32805-sj_dewittaerialsapv_041026/» data-orig-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg» data-orig-size=»3000,1407″ data-comments-opened=»0″ data-image-meta=»{";aperture";:";2.8";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";FC3411";,";caption";:";A birds-eye view of the massive DeWitt housing development on Thursday, April 9, 2026 on Pine Street in Lewiston. The 104 unit housing complex is comprised of two buildings between Park and Bates Street, across from Kennedy Park. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";Lewiston Sun Journal";,";focal_length";:";8.38";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.0003125";,";title";:";32805# SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_041026";,";orientation";:";0";}» data-image-title=»32805# SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_041026″ data-image-description=»<;p>;A birds-eye view of the massive DeWitt housing development on Thursday, April 9, 2026 on Pine Street in Lewiston. The 104 unit housing complex is comprised of two buildings between Park and Bates Street, across from Kennedy Park. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-image-caption=»<;p>;A bird's-eye view shows the 104-unit DeWitt housing development on Pine Street in Lewiston on April 9. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-medium-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41735137_SJ_DeWittAerialSAPV_0410264.jpg?w=780″/>			<figcaption><span>A bird’s-eye view shows the 104-unit DeWitt housing development on Pine Street in Lewiston on April 9. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)</span></figcaption>
			
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		</p><p>Housing — how to build more of it, how to make it more affordable, how to keep people in it — has been a priority for Maine lawmakers year after year, as high costs and low inventory keep the state embroiled in a stubborn <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/tag/locked-out/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>housing crisis</a>. This year was no exception. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Lawmakers this session considered a multitude of housing bills, weighing in on changes to funding for affordable housing, mobile home parks, construction costs and modular housing, among other topics. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Here are a few that passed, a few that didn't and a few that are in limbo.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><h2 class=»wp-block-heading»>THE WINNERS</h2><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Over the last few years, many of the state's housing laws have centered around land use, density and zoning.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>This session, lawmakers <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/20/maine-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-allow-more-adus-greater-housing-density/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>again took up the issue,</a> this time clarifying or rolling back some freedoms that had been loosened.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p><a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2173?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2173</a>, a “fix it†bill sponsored by Rep. Amanda Collamore, R-Pittsfield, pushed back the implementation date for a law meant to <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/20/maine-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-allow-more-adus-greater-housing-density/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>encourage more accessory dwelling units</a> by a year, to next July. It also reintroduced growth caps — ordinances used by municipalities to keep growth from exceeding a certain rate — that were removed last session and relaxed restrictions on minimum lot sizes.</p><div class=»ad-injection»><span class=»before-injected-ad ad-notice»>Advertisement</span><p/></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>


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				</p><a class=»mtm-related-link__link» href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/20/maine-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-allow-more-adus-greater-housing-density/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»> Maine lawmakers advance bill to encourage more ADUs, greater housing density</a><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>			</p></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
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</p><p>Mobile home parks have been another hot-button issue. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Legislators again passed a number of measures to <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/07/state-recommends-major-changes-for-maines-mobile-home-parks/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>strengthen protections</a> for park residents, who are increasingly facing steep lot rent hikes as <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/23/maine-mobile-home-owners-are-pushing-back-against-private-investors/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>their parks are sold</a> to out-of-state corporations.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>


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				</p><a class=»mtm-related-link__link» href=»http://pressherald.com/adu» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»> Register for the Maine ADU Housing Expo</a><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>			</p></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
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</p><p>One such change is allowing mobile homeowners to take out or convert to traditional mortgage loans, rather than the personal property or “chattel†loans historically used for manufactured housing that typically have shorter terms and higher interest rates.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>It's estimated that a standard mortgage loan could save park residents several hundred dollars per month. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><figure class=»wp-block-image size-large is-sellable smugmug»><a href=»https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7.jpg» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»><img decoding=»async» data-attachment-id=»7455755″ data-permalink=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/06/04/maine-has-a-historic-opportunity-to-preserve-affordable-mobile-homes-opinion/mobile-home-village-residents-try-to-buy-park-3/» data-orig-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg» data-orig-size=»3000,2000″ data-comments-opened=»0″ data-image-meta=»{";aperture";:";2.8";,";credit";:";Derek Davis/Portland Press Heral";,";camera";:";Canon EOS-1D X Mark II";,";caption";:";GORHAM, ME – APRIL 16: A Wyoming invetsment firm wants to purchase Friendly Village mobile home park in Gorham as part of a four-state, eight-park deal for $87.5 million. Friendly Village residents are exploring buying their park for $22 million. Carol for 5. (Staff photo by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";Copyright – 2025 Portland Press Herald";,";focal_length";:";24";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.0015625";,";title";:";Mobile home village residents try to buy park";,";orientation";:";1";}» data-image-title=»Mobile home village residents try to buy park» data-image-description=»<;p>;The drinking water at Friendly Village mobile home park in Gorham has tested above state drinking water limits for harmful forever chemicals. Park owners must now drill new wells, install a water filtration system or hook up to public water. The park is shown here in April 2025. (Staff photo by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-image-caption=»<;p>;Friendly Village mobile home park in Gorham, shown here in April 2025. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-medium-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?w=780″ height=»683″ width=»1024″ src=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?w=1024″ alt=»» class=»wp-image-7455755″ srcset=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg 3000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg?resize=400,267 400w» sizes=»(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px»/></a><figcaption>Friendly Village mobile home park in Gorham, shown here in April 2025. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<span class=»mtm-gallery-image-purchase-link»><a href=»https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2025%5C%2F05%5C%2F41865877_20250416_friendlyvillage_7-1747263154.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22Friendly%20Village%20mobile%20home%20park%20in%20Gorham%2C%20shown%20here%20in%20April%202025.%20%28Derek%20Davis%5C%2FStaff%20Photographer%29%22%7D» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»><?xml version=»1.0″??>
<svg xmlns=»http://www.w3.org/2000/svg» width=»16″ height=»16″ fill=»currentColor» viewbox=»0 0 16 16″ aria-hidden=»true»><path d=»M0 1.5A.5.5 0 0 1 .5 1H2a.5.5 0 0 1 .485.379L2.89 3H14.5a.5.5 0 0 1 .491.592l-1.5 8A.5.5 0 0 1 13 12H4a.5.5 0 0 1-.491-.408L2.01 3.607 1.61 2H.5a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5zM3.102 4l1.313 7h8.17l1.313-7H3.102zM5 12a2 2 0 1 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0-4zm7 0a2 2 0 1 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0-4zm-7 1a1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0-2zm7 0a1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0-2z»/></svg>
Purchase this image</a></span></figcaption></figure><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>The bill, <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2231?legislature=132″ data-type=»link» data-id=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2231?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2231,</a> also stipulates that a mobile home park owner cannot raise lot rent more than once per calendar year, and that if residents request mediation with the park owner following a proposed increase, the park owner can't require non-discloure agreements as part of the mediation process. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>


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				</p><h2 class=»mtm-related-link__eyebrow» id=»mtm-related-link-title-5″>Related</h2><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
				</p><a class=»mtm-related-link__link» href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/08/27/new-law-passed-to-protect-maine-mobile-home-residents-park-owners-are-using-it-to-raise-rents/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»> Owners of Maine mobile home parks raising rents, blame law designed to protect residents</a><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>			</p></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
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</p><p>Another mobile-home related bill, <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2149?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2149</a>, clarifies several provisions of laws passed the previous session, including that the sale of a mobile home park includes the sale of ownership interests in the park and not just the sale of the real estate. It's a loophole that according to Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Lincoln, a park owner in Arundel exploited by selling a park through the transfer of ownership interests instead of a deed and therefore shirking both a required transfer fee and the requirement to offer residents the <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/06/12/maine-lawmakers-give-mobile-homeowners-a-leg-up-in-park-purchases/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>right of first refusal</a>.</p><div class=»ad-injection»><span class=»before-injected-ad ad-notice»>Advertisement</span><p/></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Other bills that passed include the loosening of some requirements and <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2224?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>red tape around construction</a> to lower costs, as well as changes to give MaineHousing more flexibility in how it <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2057?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>finances</a> projects. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Lawmakers also approved a measure to <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2127?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>increase the cap on bonds</a> issued by MaineHousing from $3 billion to $4 billion in response to the state's desperate need for more housing and the increased costs of both buying and building. They also voted <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2116?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>to extend </a> the Maine Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program, which was set to expire at the end of 2028, to 2036. The state program invests $10 million per year to preserve and create homes for low-income families, seniors and rural households.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><h2 class=»wp-block-heading»>IN LIMBO BECAUSE OF FUNDING</h2><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Despite legislative support, some bills that require funding could still languish on the appropriations table. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Lawmakers, for example, backed a bill to direct MaineHousing to provide grants up to $15,000 to help new homeowners offset the cost of a downpayment or secure a lower mortgage rate. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Lowering the interest rate from 6% to 5% on a $300,000 mortgage would save Maine homeowners nearly $200 a month, or close to $170,000 over the life of the loan, according to Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson, who sponsored <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2077?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2077.</a></p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>“These aren't handouts, they're strategic investments,†he said in his testimony introducing the bill. </p><div class=»ad-injection»><span class=»before-injected-ad ad-notice»>Advertisement</span><p/></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>


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				</p><a class=»mtm-related-link__link» href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/02/05/why-the-dream-of-a-starter-home-in-maine-is-slipping-out-of-reach/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»> Why the dream of a starter home in Maine is slipping out of reach</a><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>			</p></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
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</p><p>But the $20 million needed to support those investments is a tough sell, and the proposal is still awaiting funding.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>A bill to help municipalities turn vacant school buildings into housing also received the green light from lawmakers, but the $5 million price tag could keep it from going further. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><figure class=»wp-block-image size-large is-sellable smugmug»><a href=»https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»><img decoding=»async» data-attachment-id=»7628265″ data-permalink=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/20/what-housing-bills-will-wont-or-might-become-law-in-maine-this-year/housing-series-5/» data-orig-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg» data-orig-size=»3000,2000″ data-comments-opened=»0″ data-image-meta=»{";aperture";:";2.8";,";credit";:";Derek Davis/Portland Press Heral";,";camera";:";Canon EOS-1D X Mark II";,";caption";:";AUGUSTA, ME – MARCH 19: Cony Flatiron Apartments in provides senior housing in the former Cony High School ln Augusta. (Staff photo by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";Copyright – 2025 Portland Press Herald";,";focal_length";:";24";,";iso";:";1000";,";shutter_speed";:";0.0015625";,";title";:";Housing series";,";orientation";:";1";}» data-image-title=»Housing series» data-image-description=»<;p>;AUGUSTA, ME – MARCH 19: Cony Flatiron Apartments in provides senior housing in the former Cony High School ln Augusta. (Staff photo by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-image-caption=»<;p>;A man walks down the stairs at the Cony Flatiron Apartments in Augusta in March 2025. The building provides senior housing in the former Cony High School. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-medium-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?w=780″ height=»683″ width=»1024″ src=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?w=1024″ alt=»» class=»wp-image-7628265″ srcset=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg 3000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg?resize=400,267 400w» sizes=»(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px»/></a><figcaption>A man walks down the stairs at the Cony Flatiron Apartments in Augusta in March 2025. The building provides senior housing in the former Cony High School. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)<span class=»mtm-gallery-image-purchase-link»><a href=»https://dev.mainetodaymedia.com/smugmug/upload.php?data=%7B%22src%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.pressherald.com%5C%2Fwp-content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fsites%5C%2F4%5C%2F2026%5C%2F04%5C%2F41531167_20250319_housing_3.jpg%22%2C%22caption%22%3A%22A%20man%20walks%20down%20the%20stairs%20at%20the%20Cony%20Flatiron%20Apartments%20in%20Augusta%20in%20March%202025.%20The%20building%20provides%20senior%20housing%20in%20the%20former%20Cony%20High%20School.%20%28Derek%20Davis%5C%2FStaff%20Photographer%29%22%7D» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»><?xml version=»1.0″??>
<svg xmlns=»http://www.w3.org/2000/svg» width=»16″ height=»16″ fill=»currentColor» viewbox=»0 0 16 16″ aria-hidden=»true»><path d=»M0 1.5A.5.5 0 0 1 .5 1H2a.5.5 0 0 1 .485.379L2.89 3H14.5a.5.5 0 0 1 .491.592l-1.5 8A.5.5 0 0 1 13 12H4a.5.5 0 0 1-.491-.408L2.01 3.607 1.61 2H.5a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5zM3.102 4l1.313 7h8.17l1.313-7H3.102zM5 12a2 2 0 1 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0-4zm7 0a2 2 0 1 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0-4zm-7 1a1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0-2zm7 0a1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0-2z»/></svg>
Purchase this image</a></span></figcaption></figure><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2164?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2164</a> would establish the <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/18/hundreds-of-maine-schools-are-in-disrepair-they-could-become-housing/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>Vacant School Housing Conversion Program</a> within the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>If funded, it could be a win-win for the state, helping the dozens of municipalities currently wrestling with school closures and vacant buildings to boost their housing stock. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Other efforts, like <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2230?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2230</a>, a bill to incentivize industrial housing construction by providing developers grants for housing units and establishing a program to support training efforts for the industry, are also awaiting funding decisions. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><h2 class=»wp-block-heading»>MAYBE NEXT YEAR</h2><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>There were also bills that did not get a ringing endorsement from legislators. </p><div class=»ad-injection»><span class=»before-injected-ad ad-notice»>Advertisement</span><p/></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>A measure to stand up <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/27/maine-lawmakers-again-avoid-creating-board-to-settle-local-housing-disputes/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>a housing resolution board</a> — something that has been proposed at least three times in almost as many years — was turned into a study of the issue, then ultimately rejected.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>The <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/1921?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>proposal</a> by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunk, would have established a way for developers to quickly appeal a local planning board denial if they feel a project is unfairly rejected. It's an idea that supporters have long said could help ease the housing crisis.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>But officials argued that at first, it incorrectly placed the board within the judicial branch, so the study was meant to find other pathways to resolve disputes.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><figure class=»wp-block-image size-large»><a href=»https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6.jpg» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»><img decoding=»async» data-attachment-id=»7419010″ data-permalink=»https://www.pressherald.com/2025/04/09/bill-would-give-maine-more-accurate-home-construction-data/modular-components-of-affordable-housing-being-constructed-at-kbs-builders-7/» data-orig-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg» data-orig-size=»3000,1912″ data-comments-opened=»0″ data-image-meta=»{";aperture";:";2.8";,";credit";:";Gregory Rec/Portland Press Heral";,";camera";:";ILCE-1";,";caption";:";SOUTH PARIS, ME – DECEMBER 13: Workers at KSB Builders in South Paris work on modular components of an affordable housing complex on Friday, December 13, 2024. The modular components will be trucked to Newcastle and lifted into place early next year. (Staff photo by Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";Copyright 2024 – Portland Press Herald";,";focal_length";:";180";,";iso";:";6400";,";shutter_speed";:";0.004";,";title";:";Modular components of affordable housing being constructed at KBS Builders";,";orientation";:";1";}» data-image-title=»Modular components of affordable housing being constructed at KBS Builders» data-image-description=»<;p>;SOUTH PARIS, ME – DECEMBER 13: Workers at KSB Builders in South Paris work on modular components of an affordable housing complex on Friday, December 13, 2024. The modular components will be trucked to Newcastle and lifted into place early next year. (Staff photo by Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-image-caption=»<;p>;Workers at KBS Builders in South Paris build modular components of an affordable housing complex on Dec. 13, 2024. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)<;/p>;&#10;» data-medium-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?w=780″ height=»653″ width=»1024″ src=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?w=1024″ alt=»» class=»wp-image-7419010″ srcset=»https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg 3000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=300,191 300w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=768,489 768w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=1024,653 1024w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=1536,979 1536w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=2048,1305 2048w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=1200,765 1200w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=2000,1275 2000w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=780,497 780w, https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/40642408_20241213_modular-homes_6-1738177286.jpg?resize=400,255 400w» sizes=»(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px»/></a><figcaption class=»wp-element-caption»>Workers at a modular housing factory in South Paris build components of an affordable housing complex on Dec. 13, 2024. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)</figcaption></figure><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>Another bill that didn't make the cut was <a href=»https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/2229?legislature=132″ target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>LD 2229</a>. It would have made a seemingly small change to an inconsistency in how the state <a href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/07/fix-for-gray-area-in-maines-modular-housing-industry-dies-leaving-uncertainty/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>regulates modular housing projects </a>of different sizes.</p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p>The late-in-session bill died in committee after supporters failed to effectively lobby for its passage and some trade groups asked that they have more time to work on a solution. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>


	</p><aside class=»mtm-related-link» aria-labelledby=»mtm-related-link-title-7″>
		<div class=»mtm-related-link__wrapper»><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>

			
			</p><div class=»mtm-related-link__content»><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
				</p><h2 class=»mtm-related-link__eyebrow» id=»mtm-related-link-title-7″>Related</h2><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
				</p><a class=»mtm-related-link__link» href=»https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/07/fix-for-gray-area-in-maines-modular-housing-industry-dies-leaving-uncertainty/» target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»> Fix for gray area in Maine's modular housing industry dies, leaving uncertainty</a><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>			</p></div><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
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	</aside><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
	


</p><p>Modular housing developers say the fix proposed in the bill was needed to clarify a gray area that went unnoticed for years, but now threatens to dramatically decrease multi-family modular housing construction in the state just as it was picking up. </p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>



</p><p><em>Editor's note: This story was updated on April 21 to reflect that the Maine Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program was extended through 2036.</em></p><p style=»display: inline;» class=»WPAuto_Base_Readability-styled»>
	</p></div>
Inicio justicia ¿Qué facturas de vivienda se convertirán, no se convertirán o podrían convertirse...
