Laura Reading Honored for Leadership in Affordable Housing Development in Maine
- Developers Collaborative
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Freeport, Maine - October 3, 2025
Freeport, Maine – Laura Reading, Director of Affordable Housing at Developers Collaborative, has been recognized with the 2025 Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award by the Maine Development Foundation (MDF). The award was presented at MDF’s 47th Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration, held at L.L.Bean headquarters in Freeport, which brought together leaders from across the state to celebrate innovation, community, and impact.
Reading was nominated by her peers in the Leadership Maine cohort and received the most nominations by a landslide — a reflection of her exceptional leadership and influence in Maine’s affordable housing sector. She was introduced by Julie Beane of MDF and presented the award by Mark Schaub of NBT Bank, who highlighted her excellence as one of Maine’s top affordable housing developers.
A Proven Track Record in Affordable Housing Development
Since joining Developers Collaborative in 2013, Reading has overseen the completion of approximately 1,600 affordable housing units across 10 of Maine’s 16 counties. Under her direction, Developers Collaborative has become the state’s leading affordable housing developer, securing 24% of MaineHousing’s competitive awards over the past decade (developerscollaborative.com).
Advocacy and Policy Leadership
Beyond her development work, Reading serves as Chair of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, where she champions legislative reforms to streamline housing development processes. Her recent testimony before the Maine Legislature in support of LD1829 — a bill designed to expedite municipal land use decisions for affordable housing projects — underscores her ongoing commitment to improving housing access statewide.
Recognition and Awards
Reading’s leadership and commitment to community-centered housing have earned her numerous accolades, including:
Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award (2025) – Presented by the Maine Development Foundation, this award recognizes Leadership Maine alumni who have demonstrated exceptional, selfless leadership in advancing Maine’s quality of life. The award honors the legacy of former Governor Kenneth M. Curtis and celebrates collaboration, creativity, and long-term civic impact.
Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year (2025) – Jointly awarded with Kevin Bunker for leadership and innovation in Maine’s affordable housing industry.
Mainebiz 40 Under 40 – Recognized as one of Maine’s top young professionals for her lasting contributions to housing and community development.
Mark Schaub, NBT Bank; Laura Reading, Developers Collaborative; Julie Beane, Maine Development Foundation
Commitment to Community-Centered Development
Under Reading’s guidance, Developers Collaborative has embraced smart growth principles, focusing on developments that are integrated into their communities and connected to essential services. Projects like Congress Square Commons in Belfast, which provides 48 mixed-income apartments designed to foster engagement and well-being, exemplify her commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused housing across Maine.
Looking Ahead
As Maine continues to face growing housing challenges, Laura Reading remains at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing solutions. Her vision and leadership not only address the state’s most pressing housing needs but also shape a more equitable and vibrant future for Maine’s communities.
For more information about Laura Reading’s work and Developers Collaborative’s affordable housing initiatives, visit https://www.developerscollaborative.com/affordable-housing.