Maine’s need for housing has been estimated to be 20,000 housing units.

Multifamily housing is a key part of what’s needed. Not just affordable housing, but also workforce units and market-rate apartments for singles, the elderly and young families.

Looking at the building permits issued, the number of units approved actually hit a 20-year peak last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

In 2022, permits were issued for 72 structures of five units or more, adding 1,866 units to Maine’s housing stock. In the past two decades, the lowest point came after the Great Recession of 2008-09. The low point was actually 2010, when permits were approved for 20 structures of five units or more, and just 132 units.