21. Building Smarter Communities with Nancy Smith of GrowSmart Maine

09/10/2025 1h 0min Temporada 2 Episodio 21
21. Building Smarter Communities with Nancy Smith of GrowSmart Maine

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Episode Synopsis

How do we grow without losing what makes Maine… Maine?
In this episode, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Nancy Smith, CEO of GrowSmart Maine, for an insightful conversation about how thoughtful planning, smart policy, and community engagement can help solve Maine’s housing challenges.
Nancy shares her incredible journey — from forester and farmer to legislator and nonprofit leader — and explains how smart growth principles can balance private property rights, local control, and the urgent need for more housing across the state. Together, they discuss the future of development in Maine, from ADUs and parking reform to rural innovation and revitalizing downtowns.
🎧 Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of Maine, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories about building stronger, more connected communities.
Topics include:


Fear of change and the path from NIMBY to YIMBY


The impact of LD 2003 and local zoning reform


How parking minimums, sprinklers, and density rules shape housing costs


Smart Growth vs. sprawl – what it really means for Maine towns


Rural innovation, small developers, and revitalizing historic downtowns


GrowSmart Maine’s upcoming Smart Growth Summit in Waterville


Hosted by: Matt Pouliot, Pouliot Real Estate
Guest: Nancy Smith, CEO of GrowSmart Maine
#MaineHousing #SmartGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #RuralInnovation #HousingMattersPodcast

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