Portland, ME On May 25 the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) will host a conference on Maine’s housing crisis.

“Housing is the topic on everyone’s minds and we need to be having more conversations with more people about solutions to this crisis,” said MEREDA president Craig Young. “We want to go beyond NIMBY and policy debates to really explore this issue in new ways. Our spring conference brings together both industry experts and thought leaders to provide an opportunity for us to learn fresh ideas and think creatively.”

MEREDA will host a keynote speaker Sonja Trauss of the San Francisco housing advocacy group, Yes in My Back Yard. Complementing her national perspective, the conference will include an economic presentation from Kenneth Entenmann of NBT Bank and a Maine housing presentation from Elizabeth Frazier of Pierce Atwood. Building upon their contributions, the stage will later turn to a moderated discussion with Trauss, Entenmann, as well as Nathan Szanton of The Szanton Co., and Daniel Stevenson from the city of Westbrook. The panel will be moderated by Shannon Richards of Hay Runner and John Finegan of The Boulos Company.

MEREDA will also unveil its 2023 MEREDA Index, which is underwritten by Eaton Peabody, and supported by Katahdin Trust Co. and XPress Copy; as well as recognize its 2022 notable project recipients at the spring conference.

According to MEREDA’s executive director, Shelly Clark, the conference will be held at The Holiday Inn By the Bay from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 25 with a virtual attendance option. In-person attorney and architect attendees are eligible for Continuing Education credits.

This event is sponsored by NBT Bank, Sebago Technics, Evernorth, Haley Ward, Mainebiz, BELFOR Property Restoration, Criterium Engineers, Efficiency Maine, Pierce Atwood, Pouliot Real Estate, and Sevee & Maher Engineers.