ME LD2164

Establishes the Vacant School Housing Conversion Program within the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority to help municipalities convert closed school buildings into residential housing with a portion dedicated as affordable housing

Creates the Maine School Conversion Fund with $5 million in ongoing annual appropriations to support school-to-housing conversions, funded through state, federal, and private sources

Participating municipalities must enter memoranda of understanding with the redevelopment authority, which can provide assistance including environmental assessments, zoning navigation, feasibility studies, and RFP administration

Fund expenditures cover design studies, utility access, demolition, hazardous material removal, affordable housing subsidies, and capital investment for matching funds

Requires annual reports to the Legislature beginning February 1, 2027, detailing assistance provided, conversion status, housing units created, and inventory of vacant schools feasible for conversion