Maine's Housing Crisis: Can New Tech and Young Talent Save the Day?

Maine is in a serious housing crunch. By 2030, the state needs 83, 000 new homes, but last year, only 1, 800 were built. That's a huge gap. The problem isn't just about building more; it's about doing it smarter and faster. One big issue is the lack of workers. Since the last housing boom in 2007, a million fewer people are working in construction. Younger folks aren't joining the trades, and fewer immigrants are filling the gap. This shortage means fewer homes get built, and the ones that do cost more to build. Maine has some unique problems. The state has old houses, not enough workers, and weak rules to make sure buildings are safe and up to code. These issues make it harder to fix the housing crisis.But there's hope. The University of Maine (Orono) and the University of Maine at Augusta are stepping up. Researchers at Orono are using 3D printing and new types of wood to build homes faster and cheaper. Meanwhile, students at Augusta are learning these new methods to tackle housing issues in towns like Bath. The architecture program at Augusta is the only one in the state. It's growing, with more students joining each year. These young architects are staying in Maine, bringing fresh ideas and skills to the state. The housing crisis is tough, but with new tech and young talent, Maine might just find a way out.