Housing Co-ops: A Co-op Month Webinar Series
Celebrate Co-op Month this October by exploring how housing co-ops strengthen communities across Maine.
This free three-part webinar series brings together co-op leaders, developers, and members to share strategies, stories, and visions for the future.
2025 co-op month Webinar list
The Cooperative Maine Business Alliance is excited to host our 2025 Co-op Month Webinar Series on Housing this October. In partnership with Maine Cooperative Development Partners, Raise-Op Housing Co-op, Cooperative Development Institute, Collaborative Living, Mountainside Community Cooperative, CEDAC Boston, Land in Common, and more this series will shine a light on cooperative solutions to Maine’s housing challenges.
Across three sessions, we’ll hear from practitioners and community leaders working on the front lines of cooperative housing – from resident-owned communities and limited-equity co-ops, to innovative land stewardship and collaborative living models. Together, we’ll explore how co-ops can expand access to affordable housing, stabilize neighborhoods, and build long-term community wealth.
This series is designed for co-op leaders, housing advocates, policymakers, community members, and anyone interested in cooperative housing models and their impact.
housing co-op startups: from idea to reality
A practical walk-through of the co-op journey, from organizing to incorporation to move-in day. Hear from experienced co-op housing developers and members about common challenges and proven strategies.
Moderator: Shannon Fuller (Raise-Op Housing Co-op)
Panelists: Brian Eng (Maine Cooperative Development Partners), Margaret Jones (Mountainside Community Cooperative and ROC Association New England), Thumbs (Collaborative Living Maine)
Oct 8, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FREE
Maintaining and growing existing housing co-ops
This webinar dives into strategies for keeping co-ops strong and sustainable: decision-making, financial management, upkeep, growth strategies, and member engagement. Learn about what works, what to avoid, and how to position your co-op for long-term success.
Moderator: Chris Linder (Cooperative Fund of the Northeast)
Panelists: Craig Saddlemire (Raise-Op Housing Cooperative), Pat Schwebler (Cooperative Development Institute), Julian Rowand (Maine Initiatives)
Oct 22, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FREE
inspiring stories and impact: housing co-ops and beyond
Discover inspiring stories of housing co-ops overcoming challenges, building resilient communities, and shaping local economies. This session zooms out to explore how co-ops fit into the broader landscape of affordable housing and solidarity economy movements.
Moderator: Anne Gass (Maine Shared Equity Housing Network)
Panelists: Nora Gosselin (Cooperative Development Institute), Ethan Miller (Land in Common), Mathew Thall (Massachusetts Association of Housing Cooperatives)
Oct 29, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FREE
