Bangor’s city council talks a good game about homelessness and housing, but its voting record tells a different story. Of 18 recent votes requiring substantial discussion, only five touched on the council’s stated top priorities: reducing homelessness and creating more housing. For anyone considering moving to Bangor, that mismatch matters. Relocation decisions hinge on quality of life, and housing is the foundation. Bangor’s cost of living remains attractively low relative to southern Maine, but a chronic shortage of affordable units and rising homelessness threaten that advantage. When councilors spend the bulk of their deliberative energy on less pressing matters, they signal that the city’s biggest crises aren’t getting the urgent attention they deserve. Prospective residents want stability: a place where they can find a home, feel safe, and see leaders tackling tough problems head-on. Right now, Bangor’s elected officials are falling short. Without focused action on housing supply and homelessness support, the city risks driving away the very newcomers who could help revitalize its economy. Yet Bangor has the bones of a great small city—walkable downtown, access to outdoor