From Backyards to Statewide Reform: How ADUs Support the Yes to Housing Movement
Maine’s housing conversation has reached a turning point; it’s happening at dining room tables, in town halls, at planning boards, inside policy reports, and yes, in backyards across the state. The newly energized Yes to Housing coalition brings together local business leaders, builders, nonprofits, and residents who believe Maine can and must build more homes. Their mission aligns deeply with our work at Backyard ADUs: people-centered housing solutions that scale from the ground up.
But when most people hear “housing reform,” they picture big policies or large developments. In reality, one of the most powerful tools we have is much smaller and much closer to home: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Why Yes to Housing Matters
Maine needs thousands of new homes in the next decade if we hope to stabilize rents, retain workers, support aging residents, and keep communities vibrant. The statewide Yes to Housing movement, along with organizations like the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, is pushing for meaningful reforms that make building homes easier, faster, and more cost-effective.
The new Yes to Housing website includes links to work backed by years of research and statewide analysis — including these valuable resources:
Together, these reports show what most Mainers already feel: we don’t have enough homes, and the homes we do have are often mismatched with our population’s needs.
Where ADUs Fit Into the Movement
ADUs bridge the gap between policy reform and real-world results. They represent a housing tool that communities can adopt quickly and equitably. Here’s why ADUs are an important part of the Yes to Housing movement:
1. ADUs increase supply without changing neighborhood character
They fit comfortably in existing residential areas. When built thoughtfully, they maintain the feeling of the neighborhood while adding a much-needed home for a teacher, a parent, a caregiver, or an adult child returning home.
2. ADUs are among the fastest and most cost-effective ways to add homes
Unlike multifamily buildings that take years to finance and complete, ADUs can be designed, permitted, and built on shorter predictable timelines. They fit in small spaces that large projects simply can’t.
3. ADUs support homeowners
Homeowners can become partners in solving the housing shortage, and
generate rental income,
create space for multigenerational living, or
downsize and age in place.
4. ADUs align with environmental and energy goals
Many ADUs (including those built by Backyard ADUs) are all-electric, highly energy efficient, and designed to reduce environmental impact.
5. ADUs work in urban, suburban, and rural Maine
Housing needs vary across the state, but ADUs offer flexible solutions that can adapt to local context.
How You Can Support the Yes to Housing Movement
Maine’s housing future depends on broad participation. Here’s how you can help:
Stay informed visit https://yestohousing.me/
Advocate locally when zoning or housing conversations arise
Support ADU-friendly policies in your town
Talk with your neighbors about the benefits of small-scale, well-designed housing
Explore whether an ADU on your property is right for you or your family
Saying “yes to housing” doesn’t always look like approving a large development. Sometimes it starts with a homeowner deciding to build a small, sustainable home in their backyard and discovering that they’re part of a statewide movement.
At Backyard ADUs, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Proud to support the Yes to Housing coalition. Proud to help families build small homes that make a big difference.
Let’s keep saying yes! Yes to homes! Yes to neighbors! And, Yes to a thriving Maine!
___________________________________________________________________
Liz Trice – Partnerships Director, Backyard ADUs
Liz Trice brings a strong background in community development, policy advocacy, and coalition-building to her role at Backyard ADUs. With a passion for housing innovation and local empowerment, she works to bridge the gap between municipalities, nonprofits, and private partners to advance sustainable ADU development across New England. At Backyard ADUs, she leads strategic initiatives that help towns unlock funding, navigate zoning reform, and build programs that serve real people in real neighborhoods.