Sen. Daughtry bill to increase affordable housing, support Maine’s workforce signed into law

Posted: April 11, 2024 | Senator Daughtry

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Gov. Janet T. Mills signed into law a bill from Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. LD 2169, “Resolve, Directing the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to Recommend Proposals to Support the Development of Attainable Housing,” would help expand the availability of affordable housing options in Maine.

Sen. Mattie Daughtry

“Whether we’ve read it in headlines, heard it from a friend or family member, or experienced it first-hand, there’s no question that Maine is facing a housing crisis. In Augusta, we’re working on the issue from all angles. I’m proud that this bill will continue the good work we’ve already started, and find the best way to help middle-income Mainers find a place to call home,” said Sen. Daughtry. “I’m grateful for all the thoughtful discussion this bill generated, and I’m happy to see it signed into law.”

LD 2169 directs the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) to develop proposals for potential financial assistance programs to:

  • support the development of rental housing for people making 80% to 150% of the area median income; and
  • support homeownership by people making 120% to 180% of the area median income.

The bill requires GOPIF to seek input from groups familiar with programs that assist with the development of affordable housing, as well as commercial real estate developers, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine State Housing Authority.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maine’s median income ranges from $53,060 to $85,260 for a single-person household, and from $75,800 to $121,800 for a household of four, depending on the area.

The amended version of the bill received unanimous support from the Legislature’s Housing Committee.

“LD 2169 is targeted at workers, the missing middle in our efforts to develop more affordable housing,” said Megan Hannan, Executive Director of the Maine Community Action Partnership. “These are the folks who are working full time, even if that means two or more jobs; they earn too much to qualify for many of our State and Federal support programs, but too little to make ends meet easily.”