ROCKLAND — Rockland voters approved a charter amendment Tuesday, June 9, 2026, giving the city greater flexibility to use previously authorized bond funding to support the development of affordable workforce housing, building on Rockland’s pioneering efforts to address local housing needs. 

"The measure passed by a vote of 1,231 to 720, reaffirming community support for Rockland’s efforts to increase housing opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and expand the city’s tax base," said the City, in a June 11 news release.

According to the City, the vote builds on a landmark decision made by voter in June 2025, when Rockland became the first municipality in Maine to authorize a housing bond dedicated to affordable workforce housing. Voters, at the time, approved up to $10 million in financing to help increase the supply of housing for working individuals and families.

Tuesday’s referendum clarifies that those voter-approved funds may be used to provide direct financial assistance to qualifying workforce housing. Previous charter language limited the use of bond funds to municipal infrastructure improvements such as roads, sidewalks, and sewer systems. The amendment ensures the city has the flexibility needed to maximize the impact of Maine’s first municipal housing bond.

The amendment does not authorize more borrowing, increase taxes, or expand the amount of funding previously approved by the voters. Instead, it gives the city the tools to advance the original purpose of the housing bond: creating more housing opportunities for the local workforce.

Under the approved charter language, all programmatic use of bond funds will continue to require City Council approval and public hearings before any funds are committed.

“Today’s vote demonstrates that Rockland residents understand housing is both a community challenge and an economic opportunity,” said City Manager Tom Luttrell.

Luttrell added: “Rockland continues to lead in developing local solutions to a housing shortage that affects communities across the region. This amendment gives the city the ability to attract new investment in workforce housing, support employers, expand the tax base, and help reduce pressure on existing taxpayers.”

Mayor Adam Lachman said the vote reinforces Rockland’s commitment to tackling one of the community’s most significant challenges.

“Rockland residents made clear that they want the city to fully utilize the housing bond they approved last year,” said Lachman. “This reaffirms our community’s commitment to creating ore workforce housing and gives the city greater flexibility to advance that goal. By continuing to pursue innovative local solutions, Rockland is working to ensure that people who contribute to our economy can also afford to live in our community.”

According to the city’s 2026 Housing Plan, Rockland will need more than 540 additional housing units over the next decade to meet projected demand and improve housing affordability.

City officials have said that new housing supported through the bond is expected to generate new taxable value and municipal revenue over time, helping offset the city’s investment while expanding housing opportunities for local workers and families.

About the Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative

Rockland’s workforce housing initiative was established in 2025 to address a shortage of housing affordable to the city’s workforce. Through Maine’s first voter-approved municipal housing bond, the city is pursuing innovative partnerships and financing tools to encourage housing development, support local employers, strengthen economic growth, expand the tax base, and increase the availability of housing in the community.