MEREDA Legislative Database 04.17.23

January 14, 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

A Statewide Coalition Ready to Move Hearts, Minds, and Policy – Be in the room where Maine’s housing future is being shaped.

Join us for an energizing, don’t-miss morning with the leaders behind Build Homes, Build Community—the powerful new statewide coalition driving real momentum for pro-housing solutions.  This is your chance for direct access, real conversation, and insider insight into the campaign that’s rapidly becoming one of the most influential forces in Maine’s housing landscape. With the Legislature preparing to vote on critical housing bills, the timing couldn’t be more urgent—or more exciting.

Come ready to learn:
• What this campaign is
• Who is leading it
• How you can play an active role in shaping housing policy statewide

Leave inspired, informed, and equipped to help Maine tackle its most pressing challenge.
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Why This Matters — Right Now

“Maine’s housing shortage undermines all our communities and our entire statewide economy,” says Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “This coalition is here to change Maine’s trajectory by implementing pragmatic solutions that unlock housing development and allow our communities—and our people—to thrive.”

Backed by respected statewide leaders including the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, MEREDA, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Portland Regional Chamber, Build Homes, Build Community is mobilizing Mainers to:

• Lower the cost of housing construction by reducing unnecessary regulations
• Encourage communities to welcome housing through targeted assistance
• Promote convenient connected communities where services are close and Mainers thrive
• Accelerate permit approvals at the local and state level

Supported by partners such as Lighthouse Credit Union, Kennebec Savings Bank, Zachau Construction, Westbrook Housing Development, Bangor Savings Bank, and many others, the campaign is gaining fast momentum.
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Panel Participants
• Bev Uhlenhake, Pierce Atwood (Moderator)
• Shannon Richards (Maine Real Estate & Development Association – MEREDA)
• Laura Mitchell (Maine Affordable Housing Coalition – MAHC)
• Patrick Woodcock (Maine State Chamber of Commerce)
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Join Us—Your Voice Matters
If you care about Maine’s future, its communities, or its economy, this is the conversation to be part of.  Seats will go fast—say YES to housing and YES to being there.
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Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 7. 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 January 7.

Prices increase by $10 after January 7.

Thank you to our Breakfast Series Sponsor: