Presque Isle, a rural Maine community, is facing a housing shortage that is hindering its efforts to revitalize downtown and attract new businesses. City Manager Tyler Brown emphasizes the urgent need for more housing options but acknowledges the challenges of limited development opportunities and skilled labor shortages. In response, U.S. Senator Angus King has introduced the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act, which aims to expand housing options in rural areas by providing grants to homeowners to create rental housing on their properties.
Kara Wilbur, a developer in rural Maine, highlights the importance of programs like the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program in funding small-scale affordable housing projects. She stresses the need for investment in existing housing stock, as well as new construction, to address the housing crisis. Despite lower housing costs in rural areas compared to urban centers, the lack of developers and contractors poses a significant challenge to building new homes efficiently.
The housing shortage in rural communities not only affects residents but also impedes business growth and expansion. Liza Fleming-Ives, executive director of The Genesis Fund, points out that businesses struggle to attract employees due to limited housing options. City officials in Presque Isle are exploring solutions to the housing crisis, including launching a housing study and seeking quotes from developers. With support from programs like King’s bill and the rural affordable rental program, there is hope for addressing the housing shortage and supporting economic development in rural Maine.
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