Sen. Curry and Rep. Gere lead Housing and Economic Development Committee on tour of housing developments across Maine

AUGUSTA — Over the last few weeks, the newly formed Housing and Economic Development (HED) Committee, co-chaired by Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, and Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, visited housing developments in southern Maine and Somerset County. These tours offered committee members firsthand insights into Maine’s diverse housing needs and innovative approaches to economic growth. Throughout the visits, lawmakers met with local developers, community leaders and residents to explore solutions ranging from new financing strategies to mixed-use development, emphasizing how housing availability directly impacts economic vitality.

“From brand-new units to revitalized mill buildings, we’ve seen how local innovation can shape the future of housing across our state,” said Sen. Curry. “These visits underscored the need to move quickly — whether through cutting red tape, incentivizing thoughtful growth, or pairing housing with thriving business districts — so we can ensure safe, affordable homes are within reach for all Mainers. It’s now our responsibility to turn these lessons into meaningful action.”

“Visiting projects at every stage of development showed us the power of collaboration between private builders, nonprofits and local government,” said Rep. Gere. “By integrating housing with shops, services, and community resources, we can strengthen local economies and create vibrant, sustainable places for Maine families to call home.”

Over the course of two separate tours — on January 16 in southern Maine and January 23 in the Madison-Skowhegan region — the committee visited a range of housing sites and mixed-use projects. Highlights included The Downs in Scarborough, Symbol Apartments and Seavey Street in Westbrook, Huston Commons in Portland, 55 Weston Ave and TimberHP by GO Lab in Madison and redevelopment projects in downtown Skowhegan such as The Spinning Mill and Maine Grains.

During the tours, committee members had the opportunity to:

• Examine real-world financing methods and zoning solutions for new and renovated housing units.
• Discuss workforce housing, community development and public-private partnerships.
• Explore the intersection of housing and commercial development, including small businesses, box stores and repurposed industrial sites.
• Learn from residents about the economic and social benefits of secure, affordable housing.

Established this session, the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development combines elements of the former Joint Select Committee on Housing and the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA). This consolidation underscores the direct connection between housing affordability and Maine’s economic vitality. The committee is responsible for devising solutions to Maine’s housing crisis while supporting business expansion, protecting consumers and promoting research, development and innovation across the state. 

To receive updates from the HED Committee, sign up for the Interested Parties email list at lists.legislature.maine.gov/sympa/info/hed-ip.