Morning Menu: Housing Policy at a Crossroads: State Solutions for Statewide Challenges
Event Details
April 8, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 amBuffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 amProgram: 9:00-10:00 am Location: McGoldrick Career & Student Success
Event Details
April 8, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am
Location:
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
About the Event:
Join us on April 8, 2026, for a critical conversation about the future of housing in our State. As municipal resistance threatens to undermine recent statewide housing initiatives, we’re at a pivotal moment that demands clarity, collaboration, and action.
This refresher event will explore where we’ve been and where we’re headed in housing policy—examining the essential role state leadership must play in addressing our housing crisis. We’ll discuss how local pushback is stalling desperately needed projects, why statewide problems require statewide solutions, and most importantly, how advocates and concerned citizens can effectively engage both local and state leaders to advance meaningful legislative reform.
Whether you’re a housing advocate, policy professional, or community member concerned about our housing future, this event will equip you with insights and strategies to move the conversation forward. Our expert panelists will include Erik Jorgensen, Senior Director of Government Relations & Communications at MaineHousing, Jennifer Hawkins, President & CEO at Avesta Housing, and Beth Frazier, Partner at Pierce Atwood, LLP will be moderating the program.
Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by April 1. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after April 1.
Prices increase by $10 after April 1.
Thank you to our Breakfast Series Sponsor:

Time
Location
McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
Register Here
Tickets are not available for sale any more for this event!
Parking
Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. Commit your license number to memory! You’ll need it to complete your parking session. To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking.
Parking Instructions (PDF)
Coming Up Next Month
September
Event Details
September 16, 2026 – 8:00am – 12:00pm
Event Details
September 16, 2026 – 8:00am – 12:00pm

About the Event:
Doors Open – 8:00 AM ( Includes Hot Breakfast Items – Lunch is not provided.)
Registration & Networking – 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Program: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
MEREDA will welcome Democratic Nominee Hannah Pingree, Independent Nominee Rick Bennett, and Republican Nominee Bobby Charles to its Fall Conference on Wednesday, September 16th.
The future of our communities has never been more important. This gubernatorial race brings housing, economic development, and affordability to the forefront. Commercial and residential real estate are at the center of these conversations—from expanding housing opportunities and supporting local businesses to revitalizing downtowns and strengthening our economy. This conference gives each candidate the opportunity to present their vision and solution for these important issues.
This event will be informative for MEREDA members and all Maine voters. It will also help set the stage for the next four to eight years of housing and economic policy from the Blaine House.
Ken Entenmann, CFA, Chief Investment Officer & Chief economist at NBT Bank/NBT Wealth Management will provide an economic update.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
This course has been approved by the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar CLE for 2 Hours of Legal Credits.
This course has been approved by the American Planning Association Northern New England Chapter for 2 Hours of AICP CM Credits.
Application has been made to the Maine Real Estate Commission for 2 Hours of In-Person Continuing Education Credits for Real Estate Licensees and Appraisers. Decisions are Pending.
Application has been submitted to AIA Maine for Architects Credits. Decision is Pending.
Sponsoring a MEREDA event provides great exposure and is a great opportunity to showcase your company For sponsorship inquiries and detailed pricing information, please contact: MEREDA’s Executive Director, Shelly R. Clark or click here for a PDF brochure.
** PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE **

Time
Location
Hannaford Hall
88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME
Parking
Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. We strongly encourage you to pre-pay for your parking session before the day of the event. If you wait until arrival, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking. Commit your license number to memory! You’ll need it to complete your parking session.
Parking Instructions (PDF)
Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org