Our 2025 Aroostook County Housing Summit in Presque Isle convened over 85 individuals with representation from municipal officials, developers, tradespeople, area businesses, and financial institutions with the goal of connecting local and regional businesses who are working to address the housing shortage in Northern Maine. Key topics presented by leading experts included:
- Evaluating Current Needs in Our Communities – Johanna Johnston, SADC and Kristen Henry, Town of Madawaska
- The Housing Development Process and Financial Underwriting – Andy Jackson, Dovetail Consulting
- Barriers to Development and Navigating Due Diligence – Michael Lyne, Developers Collaborative and Michael Wilson, Northern Forest Center
- Navigating Subdivision Regulations and the Site Plan Approval Process – Andy Jackson, Dovetail Consulting and Tim Roix, BR Smith Associates
- Funding Resources for Senior and Affordable Housing – Mark Wiesendanger, MaineHousing, Cynthia Lacasse, Evernorth, and Tobi Goldberg and Kenneth Willis, Federal Home Loan Bank Boston
- TIF Process and Benefits: Use of Municipal and Affordable Housing TIFs – Raegan LaRochelle, LaRochelle Consulting and Julia Bartlett, MaineHousing
- Preserving Affordable Housing In Aroostook County: Use of Historic Preservation Tax Credits and USDA 515 Rental Property Preservation – John Egan and Robyn Wardell, Genesis Community Loan Fund
In 2026, the Partnership plans to host a webinar/workshop series on these key topics.