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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 2 2 F O C U S M I D C O A S T / D O W N E A S T Acadia National Park, Island Housing Trust and College of the Atlantic are in the pipeline. "Accessible housing is an issue across Maine and Hancock County," says Catherine Longley, the lab's executive vice president and COO. "e need for workforce housing is a strategic imperative for us." According to a 2019 Island Housing Trust report, over half the people who work on Mount Desert Island live off-island due to housing costs. Since 2000, median house prices more than doubled, but median incomes rose by less than 50%. Over a third of housing units are seasonal due to the lucrative vacation rental market. "e housing deficit on Mount Desert Island is a significant impedi- ment to attracting and retaining a year- round workforce, including individuals and their families who come to work at JAX from near and far," Duane Bartlett, the Bar Harbor Housing Authority's executive director, recently said. Losing candidates "Ten years ago there were many more rentals and more people who would rent to JAX employees," says Longley. "ose were eaten up even before the pandemic by Airbnbs and seasonal rentals." In Maine, JAX has about 1,500 employees and is looking of more. But to illustrate the problem: As of late August, the lab had lost over 70 candi- dates for the year due to lack of available housing – a major factor in withdraw- ing from consideration after candidates were deep into the interview process or even in declining an offer. at includes all levels, from front-line workers to leadership and researchers. COMMUNITY FIRST. Visit DreamFirstCommunity.com TheFirst.com/1-800-564-3195 The only thing better than great coffee is great coffee that does good for our local community. Introducing the Dream First Blend, a proud partnership between First National Bank, Rock City Coffee, and Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO). Ten percent of all sale proceeds from this delicious coffee will go directly to AIO, helping a neighbor in need. Bank Local, Buy Local, Give Local with Dream First Community Coffee with a cause. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » The need for workforce housing is a strategic imperative for us. — Catherine Longley Jackson Laboratory