30. How Bath, Maine Is Rethinking Housing Options for the Future

What does it really take to create housing that works for a community? In this episode of Housing Matters, Matt Pouliot sits down with Debora Keller, Executive Director of Bath Housing, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of housing in Bath and across Midcoast Maine. They discuss the growing mismatch between wages and housing costs, the lack of downsizing options, workforce housing needs tied to major employers like Bath Iron Works, and why communities need a broader range of housing choices—not just one-size-fits-all solutions. Debora also shares how Bath Housing is approaching the challenge through development, preservation, policy, and direct services, including its nationally recognized Comfortably Home program that helps older adults safely remain in their homes. This episode is a practical look at housing, community development, zoning, homeownership, aging in place, and the real local strategies that can help Maine communities move forward.