In many regions in Maine, housing is affordable to a diversity of households – i.e., new families; long-time residents (sons, daughters, and grandchildren); elders and disabled persons on fixed incomes; recent graduates and other young workers; those who serve and protect our communities, such as nurses, police, and teachers; people with special needs; and even professionals – has become very difficult to find. This is true both for households eager to become homeowners and those needing/desiring to rent. These households represent a broad diversity of economic conditions – from those whose only source of income is Social Security, minimum wage, or part-time employment, to professionals earning $55,000 – 60,000 annually.1 While the specific consequences vary for the broad spectrum of impacted households – some leave the state, some are dislocated, some live a long time with parents, some become homeless – the issue is a concern for all Mainers. It is something Maine must address for the stability and well-being of our residents, and as a fundamental component of our future economic strength and attractiveness.