‘Where did all the staff go?’

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Our housing reporter Taylor Nichols attended the launch of a new pro-housing coalition earlier this month, where business leaders sounded the alarm about how Maine's housing crisis is exacerbating staffing shortages — and in some cases, forcing businesses to close.

Many in the hospitality industry say they're feeling the squeeze. Taylor spoke to restaurant owners who have shuttered locations, as well as workers navigating the tight rental market. She also dug into the data to look at how things have changed since the pandemic. You can read her story below.

Also this week: RFA corps member Sean Scott looks at how food pantries helped families navigate the SNAP uncertainty that came with the government shutdown, and the challenges they see ahead; Climate Monitor contributor Julia Tilton talks to entrepreneurs finding new uses for seaweed; and more.

Plus: don't miss the Monitor Local story on what new standards could mean for small-town libraries across Maine.

— Stephanie

‘Where did all the staff go?’: Maine restaurant owners blame the housing shortage

Business owners say they can’t afford to pay workers the high wages necessary to keep up with rising housing prices, and even when they can, there’s nowhere for employees to live.

Read this story by Taylor Nichols

Amid SNAP uncertainty, Maine food pantries saw demand spike: The federal benefits freeze was the latest in a string of challenges that have stretched food assistance programs thin this year. Read this story by Sean Scott

Maine entrepreneurs see big potential in seaweed: One business wants to use kelp to replace the plastic film on detergent pods. Another is creating an alternative to plastic twine. Read this story by Julia Tilton

At packed meeting, St. George officials vote to let transgender child play girls basketball: The 3-2 vote came after parents crowded a selectmen meeting last week to protest the child’s place on a recreational team. Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

Maine Senate candidate Jordan Wood is running for House seat instead: The Democrat is now running for the seat held by retiring Rep. Jared Golden. Read this story by Alex Roarty of NOTUS for The Maine Monitor

Note: Monitor Local publishes stories on Downeast and Western Maine every Saturday. Here are two highlights from this weekend. For more, visit our website.

New standards would require all Maine libraries to pay directors, expand hours of operation: Small nonprofit libraries that operate with all-volunteer staffs object to the requirements. They will have three years to come into compliance. Read this story by Judith Meyer

School consolidations, ordered in 2007, are shattering as towns seek local control: Following last week’s vote to withdraw from RSU 10, Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner to schedule special town meetings to discuss withdrawal agreements. Read this story by Bob Neal

Have feedback or a correction to send to Stephanie McFeeters? Send it to her directly via email: stephanie@themainemonitor.org.

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.

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