20. Housing Affordability in Maine & Beyond – Policy, Economics & Solutions

Housing Affordability in Maine & Beyond – Policy, Economics & Solutions

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot welcomes Dr. James (Jim) Siodla, Associate Professor of Economics at Colby College, to unpack the complex relationship between zoning, land use regulations, and the housing affordability crisis.

Jim’s research in urban economics, U.S. economic history, and redevelopment after disasters provides a powerful lens to understand why housing prices in Maine—and across the nation—are rising faster than incomes. Together, Matt and Jim explore:

• How minimum lot size restrictions and zoning laws drive up housing costs

• Lessons from San Francisco’s 1906 fire and what they teach us today

• Maine’s 74% per-capita increase in home prices since 2019

• The impact of NIMBYism vs. YIMBYism on housing supply

• Why policies like LD 2003 and bipartisan federal initiatives matter

• Practical steps towns and cities can take to encourage growth and affordability

From real estate developers to policymakers to everyday Mainers, this episode dives deep into the economics and politics of housing—and what can be done to create more homes for the next generation.

🎧 Tune in to understand the real barriers to affordability and how communities can build a better housing future.