4. Innovative Solutions for Workforce Housing in Maine | Sarah Sturtevant

In this episode of the Housing Matters Podcast, hosted by Matt Pouliot, we are joined by Sarah Sturtevant, a Shaw Innovation Fellow and a graduate student in public policy analysis at the Muskie School of Public Service. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and insight into addressing Maine's growing affordable workforce housing crisis. With a background in business management and economic analysis, she works with various stakeholders, including employers, property owners, and government entities, to find innovative solutions to housing challenges in the state. During the episode, Sarah discusses her approach to leveraging new technologies, such as automated construction, and the potential of underutilized buildings near employment centers to create more affordable housing options. She also shares details about her involvement in a pilot project in Rumford, Maine, which aims to provide cost-effective housing solutions for the local workforce. Sarah and Matt dive deep into the complex factors driving up housing costs in Maine, including regulatory hurdles and the need for updated policies that better reflect current market realities. They explore the importance of balancing safety and environmental considerations with the urgent need to reduce the cost of housing development. Sarah's work, which includes in-depth case studies and her role in the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, sheds light on why housing has become so expensive and what can be done to make it more accessible for the majority of Maine’s residents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted challenges of affordable housing in Maine and the innovative approaches that could help solve them. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Sarah Sturtevant, a leading voice in the fight for affordable workforce housing in our state. More about the Housing Matters Podcast: https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/media/housingmatters/