Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1535337
V O L . X X X I N O. X I I § 2 J U N E 2 , 2 0 2 5 6 A special thank you to Mainebiz for inviting us to partner in this exciting publication, Ground- breaking Maine. We are grateful for your contin- ued support in amplifying the achievements and contributions of the real estate community. is publication highlights the remarkable work of our 2024 Notable Project Award recipients and puts a well-deserved spotlight on the innovators, gen- eral contractors, engineers, and architects behind the projects that showcase responsible develop- ment in action. Responsible development is at the core of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association's mission and 2025 marks our 40th anniversary. It's incredible that a small group of dedicated profes- sionals came together four decades ago to form MEREDA with a vision to strengthen and advo- cate for our sector. Today, we stand as a unified voice representing not just the growth of Maine's real estate industry, but also the commitment and contributions of our members in driving the industry forward. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of MEREDA's story for nearly 30 of those 40 years. To have a job I love, working with a dedicated team and passionate members, is truly a privi- lege. e relationships we've built, the challenges we've overcome, and the accomplishments we've achieved together have made these years not only fulfilling but rewarding. MEREDA has a long history of successful advocacy before the Maine State Legislature. Guided by the work of our Public Policy Com- mittee, MEREDA seeks to enact a fair, practi- cal, and predictable policy landscape for responsi- ble real estate development in Maine. To achieve this goal, MEREDA calls upon the expertise of its diverse membership, tackling issues from land use and environmental engineering to legal prec- edent and municipal technical assistance support. MEREDA's membership has always risen to the call, providing the backbone of support for so many of our legislative successes. From navigating legislative changes to creat- ing networking events where industry leaders col- laborate, MEREDA has fostered an environment that encourages innovation and excellence in all aspects of real estate. Today, we are a leader in smart, sensible housing policy. In the 132nd Leg- islature, MEREDA's legislative priorities take aim at specific barriers to housing creation, work to restrict municipalities from unfairly limiting local housing options, remove restrictions from private property to allow more entrepreneurial housing creation, and balance needed housing creation and market conditions with responsible devel- opment standards. Additionally, MEREDA is working with a coalition of housing advocates to support a number of recommendations from the recently commissioned Roadmap for the Future of Housing Production in Maine. MEREDA believes that real estate develop- ment is community development, and that growth of our communities can only occur when the land- scape for development is fair, practical, and pre- dictable. We look forward to continuing to work with our allies, partners and the legislature, to advance more legislation that supports our mis- sion and builds a better future for all Mainers. is 40th anniversary is not just a celebra- tion of MEREDA's accomplishments, but also a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our members who continue to shape Maine's future. eir support has been essential to our success, and we are excited about what the next 40 years hold for all of us. — Shelly R. Clark Executive Director MEREDA F RO M O U R PA RT N E R As MEREDA marks 40 years, it tackles what's ahead The relationships we've built, the challenges we've overcome, and the accomplishments we've achieved together have made these years not only fulfilling but rewarding. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M E R E DA Shelly R. Clark, Executive Director of MEREDA