The state's proposal to increase housing density is raising concerns among city officials worried about losing local control over development in their cities.

An article by Jessica Piper and Michael Shepherd outlines the conflict between proposed solutions to Maine's severe housing crisis and its history of local control. "A draft report released Thursday by a legislative housing commission proposed a range of solutions, including eliminating single-family zoning and annual caps on home construction, allowing homeowners to add accessory units like in-law apartments and allowing up to four units to be built in lots now zoned for one."
Supporters of the proposal say statewide housing policy is essential to achieving housing goals and increasing affordability for Maine households. But while other states are aggressively promoting housing development, encourage high-density construction, and impose quotas on affordable housing production, the recommendations could fail to get enough votes in the Maine legislature, where, according to the article, "[t]he desire for local control is a sacred principle."
With the housing crisis showing no signs of abating, housing advocates are calling on state and federal officials to implement robust tenant and homeowner protection policies and maintain pandemic-era housing assistance infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Maine’s aggressive housing policy push runs into history of strong local control

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk
Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing
The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.
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