Bill > LD1751

This bill proposes several significant updates to Maine's Growth Management Program Laws, focusing on improving comprehensive planning and land use strategies. The bill redefines key terms like "affordable housing" to include specific income thresholds for rental and owned properties, introduces the concept of "place types" as a way to characterize geographic settlement patterns, and expands the definition of "rural areas" to include protection of farmland, forest land, and mineral resources. It aims to encourage municipal cooperation, promote housing diversity and affordability, and strengthen climate resilience planning. The bill modifies the comprehensive planning process to include more robust public participation strategies, requires the development of technical assistance materials and guidance for municipalities, and extends the certification period for growth management programs from 10 to 12 years. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of protecting natural resources, supporting economic diversity, and developing infrastructure that accommodates growth while preserving rural character. The legislation also mandates that state agencies coordinate their activities to support these comprehensive planning goals and requires the responsible state agency to convene a stakeholder group and develop specific guidance materials to assist municipalities in their planning efforts.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1751&snum=132