Maine Policy Review Cited in Portland Press Herald

An article in Maine Policy Review, “Migrationland”: Social and Economic Impacts of Demographic Churn in Maine and Cumberland County Post-Pandemic“, was cited in “Thousands of people moved to Maine since the pandemic. The influx isn’t over.” The article discusses how more than 126,000 people have moved to Maine since the pandemic, driven largely by remote work opportunities and, more recently, climate-related factors. While migration has slowed slightly since its 2021 peak, it remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Most newcomers are from nearby states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with many settling in southern Maine. The influx brings both benefits—such as a boost to Maine’s aging workforce—and challenges, including housing shortages and affordability issues. 

The MPR study cited, authored by Rachel Bouvier and Joie Grandbois, revealed that implications for housing affordability, income inequality, and local labor markets. While these shifts present opportunities for revitalization, they also pose challenges related to equity, cultural cohesion, and infrastructure strain. The article explores these dynamics through the lenses of economic vitality, social equity, and fiscal impact, offering insights and policy recommendations to help Maine communities adapt to rapid demographic churn.