The state legislature passed two bills, one supporting accessory dwelling units and another incentivizing adaptive reuse, aimed at boosting housing affordability.
In an update to last week’s story, Maine’s governor signed into law two zoning reform bills aimed at slowing the state’s housing crisis. LD 2003 is “aimed at facilitating the development of affordable housing by reforming zoning laws and cutting red tape, a top priority for advocates during this year’s legislative session.” As Evan Popp reports, “Among other stipulations, the bill makes it easier for property owners to build accessory dwelling units on lots zoned for single-family use.”
“The state is experiencing a shortage of about 20,000 affordable options and around 25,000 Maine households are on a waitlist for federal Section 8 housing vouchers. In addition, nearly 60% of renters in the state spend half their income on housing.” Meanwhile, rents continue to rise, harming low-income households the most. “A study from 2021 found that the average wage needed in the state to afford a two-bedroom rental home was $21.39 an hour, far above Maine’s $12.75 an hour minimum wage.”
Governor Mills also signed LD 201, which incentivizes the conversion of historic buildings into affordable housing. “LD 201 also requires that MaineHousing review annually the percentage of total square feet of completed projects that qualifies as new affordable housing.”
FULL STORY: Mills signs bill reforming zoning laws as Maine grapples with affordable housing crisis
Zoning Reform: Lessons From New Zealand
The island nation is mandating mid-density zoning requirements and transit-oriented development in an effort to increase housing affordability and encourage compact development.
Zoning Reforms Slow to Benefit Renters
Households seeking lower-cost rental housing units are not seeing housing supply go up as quickly as higher-income families after upzoning.
How Single-Family Zoning Became Unaffordable for Families
Zoning regulations designed to boost the housing supply for families have contributed to a housing crisis that makes housing costs a major burden for many American families.
I-95 Widening Breaks Ground in Virginia
A mile-and-a-half-long section of Interstate 95, which handles 80,000 vehicle trips a day, will be expanded in Virginia. The project includes a new shoulder, lighting, and noise walls.
Bill Legalizing ADUs Passes Texas Senate
If passed by the full state legislature, the bill would eliminate local restrictions on ‘mother-in-law’ units.
Transportation Agencies: Improve Your Models or Hire More Lawyers
Transportation models are biased in ways that result in inefficient, unfair and environmentally harmful planning decisions. Improve your analysis or prepare to be sued.
Seattle Transitions to No Right Turns on Red
Every new traffic light in the city will be required to install ‘No Turn on Red’ signs, a tactic shown to reduce collisions.
Friday Funny: How Much Parking Does That Parking Spot Need?
The Onion takes parking requirements to their logical conclusion.
First Hotel Conversion to Begin in New York
A pandemic-era program designed to streamline the conversion of hotels into housing stalled, with the first project just now making its way through the pipeline.
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