Business interest groups, developers and others announced a new coalition Wednesday that will advocate for more housing in Maine.

The group, Build Homes, Build Community, said Maine's housing shortage is affecting businesses throughout the state, including the hospitality and construction industries.

"We're seeing a lot projects that are being permitted," said Will Savage, president of Acorn Engineering, a Portland-based civil engineering and land surveying business. "We're seeing a lot of projects that are ready to put a shovel in the ground, but they're not moving forward currently due to elevated interest rates, labor shortages, which is also directly impacted by housing.

Savage said his company has opened offices in Bangor and Kingfield to accommodate his employees who have been una

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