Sen. Baldacci applauds support for mobile home communities in budget passed by Maine Legislature, signed by Gov. Mills
AUGUSTA — As the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned for the summer, Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, applauded the inclusion of funding for mobile home communities in the biennial budget proposal passed by the Maine Legislature last week and signed by Gov. Janet Mills.
“I am incredibly grateful that this funding will be available to assist Mainers and help mobile home residents take ownership of their parks,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Mainers take pride in where we live, and given the chance, a community should be able to come together and create a neighborhood of support that can lift one other up. This bill will help keep some of our most special communities intact.”
The budget includes a $3 million investment in mobile home park preservation and assistance, recognizing the vital role that mobile home communities play in providing affordable housing options for many Maine families. A growing number of mobile home communities in Maine and across the country are being bought up by out-of-state private equity firms that raise rents and skimp on maintenance. This funding will help residents purchase their mobile home parks, improve living conditions and avoid displacement. By prioritizing this initiative, the Legislature is addressing a critical housing need, helping stabilize communities and protecting residents from housing insecurity. This investment aligns with the Legislature’s broader commitment to ensuring safe, affordable housing for all Mainers.
Sen. Baldacci was the sponsor of LD 255, “An Act to Support Mobile Home Residents in Purchasing Their Mobile Home Parks,” which was included as part of the biennial budget. The bill proposed allocating $3 million to the Manufactured and Mobile Home Park Preservation and Assistance Program. This builds upon LD 1931, “An Act to Foster Stable and Affordable Home Ownership in Mobile Home Parks by Amending the Laws Relating to the Sale of Mobile Home Parks,” which was passed in the 131st Legislature. LD 1931 requires that the landowners of manufactured home parks give residents advance notice if they plan to sell the property. It also gives residents an opportunity to collectively make an offer on the land within two months, and secure financing to complete the purchase within three.
This investment was included as part of a balanced, fiscally responsible two-year budget that lowers costs, protects Maine’s future and defends the rights and freedoms of Maine people. The first part of the budget, which funded baseline government services and avoided a government shutdown, was passed in March of this year. The Legislature passed the second part of the biennial budget — which funds initiatives that meet the needs of Maine people — on June 18, and the Governor signed it into law on June 20.
Part II of the biennial budget will take effect on September 24, 2025.