Here in the city of Augusta, we’ve seen how progress on housing happens when people come together. From expanding affordable housing to plans for transforming an outdated shopping center with market-rate housing, collaboration and action deliver results. But Maine’s housing crisis isn’t limited to its capital city. Across the state, demand for homes is soaring, and supply simply isn’t keeping pace.

The Maine Legislature has taken significant steps to address the crisis, including zoning reforms through LD 2003, which expanded housing opportunities statewide, and funding for affordable housing tax credits. While these efforts are critical and commendable, they are only part of the solution. To truly meet Maine’s housing needs, we must tackle the twin challenges of workforce and business development.

Maine lacks both the skilled tradespeople and the general contracting businesses necessary to build the volume of housing required. Without a robust workforce and more contractors capable of taking on residential projects, the best land-use policies and financial incentives will fall far short. As Thomas College president and former State Economist Laurie LaChance has often said, complex problems require a “silver buckshot” approach rather than a silver bullet. Solving Maine’s housing crisis demands precisely that — a coordinated, multi-faceted effort to grow the workforce, support contractors, and engage employers directly in the solution.

Building the pipeline

Maine already has strong programs to build upon. The Maine Quality Centers (MQC) and the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce are training thousands of workers across industries, including construction. Programs like the Maine Construction Academy, launched in 2023 by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine, are also making a difference.

The Maine Construction Academy is a certified pre-apprenticeship program supported by the Maine Department of Labor, the Governor’s Energy Office, and the Maine DOT Office of Research & Innovation. The academy prepares participants with certifications and hands-on experience, working directly with contractors offering apprenticeship opportunities. In 2024, it trained approximately 300 participants across Maine, with plans to expand to 350 in 2025.

What sets the Maine Construction Academy apart is its partnership model. The program collaborates with career and technical education (CTE) centers, high schools, adult education programs, and community colleges, using host locations across the state to make training accessible to students and career changers alike.

Additional programs also play vital roles. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Maine, based in Lewiston, focuses on craft training and skills competitions, including its Maine Craft Championships held annually here at the Augusta Civic Center. The event brings together more than 1,200 CTE students and skilled professionals, showcasing pathways into construction careers.

Likewise, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) excels at bridging the gap between students and employers. Through mentorship and career-readiness initiatives, JMG creates opportunities for young people to enter Maine’s workforce prepared and motivated to succeed. These partnerships demonstrate the impact of industry and education working hand in hand to grow the talent pipeline.

However, these programs need sustained funding and broader participation to reach their full potential.

Calling employers to action

For too long, many construction employers in Maine have assumed that the education system alone is responsible for preparing workers for their industry. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Developing a skilled workforce requires direct engagement from employers — what Alan Burton, former vice president of Human Resources at Cianbro, calls “adopting an education program.”

Employers must partner with public education programs, investing their time, money, and expertise to ensure these initiatives deliver real results. This means contributing to curriculum development, offering mentorship, donating materials, and providing hands-on opportunities for students. Organizations like ABC and JMG offer proven models for this kind of involvement, but broader participation from employers is essential.

Supporting contractors and small businesses

While workforce development is critical, we cannot overlook the need to support residential contractors, many of whom operate small businesses with limited capacity to grow. Years ago, Maine had a statewide residential contractors association, but it disbanded because most home builders were too small to sustain it. This fragmentation remains a challenge today.

To help contractors scale up, we need targeted financial support. Grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives can help small contractors expand operations, invest in equipment, and hire more workers. Professional development opportunities — like leadership, project management, and financial training—are equally critical. Programs such as AGC Maine’s Construction Supervision Fundamentals offer a solid foundation for helping contractors grow and thrive.

Some communities are taking steps to support builders directly. For example, here in Augusta, we’ve eliminated permitting fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to lower costs for builders and owners alike.

Changing perceptions

Modern construction is a dynamic, rewarding industry offering stable, well-paying careers and significant opportunities for growth. Yet outdated perceptions continue to hold back recruitment. Changing how people view the trades must be part of the “silver buckshot” approach to solving Maine’s workforce challenges.

A statewide campaign is needed to showcase construction as a pathway to success. Highlighting success stories of workers who have built fulfilling careers and contractors who have grown thriving businesses can inspire students, career changers, and underrepresented groups to see construction as a viable, rewarding choice.

Sustainability also plays a key role in attracting new workers. Programs that focus on energy-efficient and green construction don’t just benefit the environment — they appeal to younger workers who care deeply about making a positive impact.

The time to act

The solution to Maine’s housing crisis is complicated — but we know what needs to happen next. A silver buckshot approach to workforce development is essential. Employers must step up, partnering with education programs to provide mentorship, funding, and real-world opportunities for the next generation of workers.

At the same time, we need deliberate, coordinated action to support contractors, invest in training programs, and shift perceptions of careers in the trades. These efforts will tackle the labor shortage head-on and ensure that Maine builds the homes its communities need.

The time to act is now. Let’s build the builders who will build Maine’s future.