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
June
Event Details
June 4, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am Program: 9:00-10:00 am Location: Hollywood Casino 500 Main Street,
Event Details
June 4, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am
Location:
Hollywood Casino
500 Main Street, Bangor, ME
About the Event:
Understanding Maine’s Economy: Statewide Drivers and Local Impact
Join MEREDA for a data-driven breakfast conversation on Maine’s economic outlook, with a focused lens on the Greater Bangor region. This panel will bring together leaders in economic development, finance, healthcare, and higher education to explore the forces shaping Maine’s economy — and what they mean for Bangor’s future.
The discussion will open with a statewide economic snapshot, highlighting key trends in workforce, population, industry growth, and investment. Panelists will then connect those trends to regional impacts, including business expansion, housing demand, healthcare employment, and commercial development in the Bangor area.
A central theme of the conversation will be workforce and talent — from recruitment and retention challenges to education-to-employment pipelines and cross-sector collaboration. Panelists will also examine economic development and investment, including access to capital, infrastructure readiness, and Bangor’s role as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce.
Attendees will gain insight into how statewide economic conditions intersect with local opportunities, and how collaboration across sectors can support sustainable growth for Bangor and communities throughout Maine.
Confirmed Speakers: Peter DelGreco, Maine & Co., Amanda Rector, Maine State Economist, Guy Hudson, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Light Health, Tony McKim, President and CEO of The First N.A, and Jason Harkins, Maine Business School, as the moderator.
Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by May 28. 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 May 28. Prices increase by $10 after May 28.
Interested in participating in this event as a sponsor?
Contact us today or view the sponsorship benefits here.

Time
Location
Hollywood Casino
500 Main Street, Bangor, ME
Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org