Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N / W E S T E R N M A I N E Libby says the primary business sectors in the region — manufactur- ing, health care, government, edu- cation, retail and restaurant — are fueled by commuters from Gray, New Gloucester, Raymond, Cumberland, Falmouth, Turner and even Augusta and Portland. Being centrally located is an advantage. "Half of the state's popula- tion is within a 45-minute drive of our city," Libby notes. Jay Brenchick, who directs the department of economic development for Auburn, meets monthly with leaders in the manufacturing sector. "On any given day, the city's daytime population nearly doubles, underscor- ing Auburn's role as a critical economic driver," Brenchick says. "And it's an issue across multiple business sectors," he adds. "Closing the gap between workforce demand and housing supply is a key priority for busi- ness growth, employee retention, and long-term economic sustainability." Public transportation is available via Maine Department of Transportation's LAP bus service, which serves Lewiston, Auburn and Portland. It's a two-year pilot program that started in July 2024. Highlighting both the housing and workforce shortages in Maine, Bath Iron Works and Sunday River ski resort also run shuttles to the L/A market. More housing on the way Both Auburn and Lewiston have been actively pursuing more development, and there are multiple housing proj- ects currently under construction with more in the pipeline. Auburn has had development of nearly 600 housing units since 2020. Another 102 market-rate apartments are expected to be completed this sum- mer at 138 and 142 Mt. Auburn Avenue. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » 1 0 0 % E M P L O Y E E - O W N E D O F F I C E S I N — S O U T H P O R T L A N D B R I D G T O N S A N F O R D BRING US YOUR VISION Proudly serving the Lewiston/Auburn, Oxford Hills, and Lakes Region communities. We are all shaping Maine, together. Maine's CREATIVE ENGINEERING COLLECTIVE Zoning isn't the main barrier. Construction costs and taxes are also a concern. We're open for development. We've already made changes to zoning to allow for more units, and eased requirements for setbacks and parking. — David Hediger city of Auburn Pure Water. Pure Confidence. Custom DI Solutions from Culligan. Culligan Deionizer Exchange Systems provide high-purity water essential for industries like laboratories, electronics manufacturing, food & beverage, healthcare, and more. Using advanced ion exchange resins, we remove impurities to meet your facility's exact standards. Our DI solutions are customizable and supported by expert service technicians who regenerate or replace tanks as needed. Whether you need new tanks, regeneration of your existing ones, or a rental solution—we've got you covered. Call us today at (207) 846-5061 or visit WTE-Inc.com to customize your DI solution. Let Culligan deliver the purity your process demands.

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