In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Quincy Hentzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. Quincy shares her journey from Chicago to Maine, her work in government affairs, and her role in advocating for Portland's business community. They dive into critical topics like the housing crisis, workforce development, and the challenges of balancing growth with maintaining vibrant, sustainable communities. Quincy discusses the chamber’s efforts to address housing shortages and the impact of local policies on development. Don't miss this insightful conversation on housing and business in Maine! More about Quincy: https://www.portlandregion.com/qbio.html More episodes: https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/media/housingmatters/

In this episode of the Housing Matters Podcast, hosted by Matt Pouliot, we are joined by Sarah Sturtevant, a Shaw Innovation Fellow and a graduate student in public policy analysis at the Muskie School of Public Service. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and insight into addressing Maine's growing affordable workforce housing crisis. With a background in business management and economic analysis, she works with various stakeholders, including employers, property owners, and government entities, to find innovative solutions to housing challenges in the state. During the episode, Sarah discusses her approach to leveraging new technologies, such as automated construction, and the potential of underutilized buildings near employment centers to create more affordable housing options. She also shares details about her involvement in a pilot project in Rumford, Maine, which aims to provide cost-effective housing solutions for the local workforce. Sarah and Matt dive deep into the complex factors driving up housing costs in Maine, including regulatory hurdles and the need for updated policies that better reflect current market realities. They explore the importance of balancing safety and environmental considerations with the urgent need to reduce the cost of housing development. Sarah's work, which includes in-depth case studies and her role in the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, sheds light on why housing has become so expensive and what can be done to make it more accessible for the majority of Maine’s residents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing in Maine and the innovative approaches that could help solve them. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Sarah Sturtevant, a leading voice in the fight for affordable workforce housing in our state. More about the Housing Matters Podcast: https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/media/housingmatters/

Join Matt Pouliot, host of the "Housing Matters" podcast and CEO of Pouliot Real Estate, in a compelling discussion with Ryan Fecteau, a Senior Officer of Policy and Planning at Avesta Housing. Ryan, with a distinguished career that includes serving as the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and working as a senior advisor for Governor Janet Mills, brings a wealth of knowledge on housing policy and creation in Maine. In this episode, Matt and Ryan explore: • Ryan's journey and achievements in the Maine Legislature, focusing on affordable housing tax incentives, zoning, and vocational education investments. • Avesta Housing's role as a leading affordable housing developer in Northern New England, including current projects and the challenges of navigating municipal approvals. • The complexities of addressing NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) and community reactions to affordable housing projects in various neighborhoods. • The significance of the Housing First model, which emphasizes stable housing as a foundation for addressing homelessness and providing essential support services. • Insights into zoning reforms, particularly the impact and implementation of L.D. 2003, which aimed to increase housing density and affordability. • The importance of engaging young people in trade careers to support the housing industry's workforce needs. • Innovative financing options and the potential of offsite construction and 3D printing to revolutionize housing production. This episode provides valuable perspectives on the future of housing in Maine and highlights the critical need for policy, community engagement, and innovative solutions to tackle the housing crisis. For more insightful discussions on housing policy and development, don't forget to subscribe to our channel and stay updated with our latest episodes.