Real estate group recognizes local state lawmaker

Sen. Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec (center), with MEREDA President Craig Young (left) and Executive Director Shelly Clark. (photo courtesy of MEREDA/Brian Peterson)

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) honored Maine State Senator Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec, during its 2023 Forecast Conference and Member Showcase. The organization’s annual event was held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

In recognition of his leadership in housing creation policy and for his support of MEREDA’s efforts to advance responsible, practical and predictable policies for real estate development, Pouliot was awarded the 2022 MEREDA Public Policy Award.

“Senator Pouliot has been a steadfast supporter of MEREDA policy priorities, including his help in maintaining the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit; his support for the establishment of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE); his vote for the 2022 Housing Act; and his sponsorship of two MEREDA priority legislation items for the 131st Legislature,” MEREDA Executive Director Shelly Clark said in a video introducing the award at the event. “Additionally, Senator Pouliot has recently risen as a leader in bipartisan discussions about smart public policy to help curb Maine’s housing crisis.”

Citing his involvement with the Legislature’s recent Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Land Use Regulations and Short-term Rentals, MEREDA said Pouliot was instrumental in establishing the new Joint Select Committee on Housing of which the final report of the Commission will be the starting point for the work of the new committee.

MEREDA also recognized Pouliot’s development efforts in Kennebec County, including the revival of the historic Water Street corridor in Augusta through redevelopment of downtown properties.

“His support for responsible real estate development, approach to policymaking, and service as a leader both in the Legislature and in his hometown of Augusta make Senator Pouliot a clear choice for this year’s 2022 Public Policy Award,” Clark said.

Senator Matt Pouliot is in his third term representing the communities of the newly-reapportioned District #15. He is the Senate Republican Lead for Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing and the new Joint Select Committee on Housing.