Turning the Key: Unlocking Maryland’s Potential

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​​​​​​​In the Moore-Miller Administration’s first year, it evaluated the state’s economy and learned that housing affordability was driving Marylanders out of the state. In 2024, Governor Moore set out with a comprehensive legislative housing package to expand pathways to work, wages, and wealth by spurring new housing construction, cutting burdensome red tape, enhancing long-term financial investment in low-income areas and changing the landscape for renters.

Maryland is facing a 96,000 housing unit shortage, driven by a rise in construction costs, and local barriers to development. Every year this shortage has grown by an average of 5,600 housing units. But 2024 marks a turning point.

The legislative session was pivotal in creating a pathway for the state to begin to close that gap. The Maryland Department of​ Housing and Community Development is implementing new laws established through the Maryland General Assembly and is​ Turning the ​Key to Unlock ​Maryland's Potential. To read more about the state of Maryland’s housing and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development efforts, view the slide deck below.

Turning the Key Presentation slides

Maryland State Plan Housing Goals​

UnderGovernor Moore’s State Plan​, the Administration’s response to the housing affordability crisis is summarized in four foundational categories:​

  • Tackle the affordable housing shortage
  • Revitalize disinvested communities
  • ​House the most vulnerable
  • Build wealth through homeownership

Pathway to Housing Success

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development championed legislation that would help Maryland reach the goals that were set forth by the Maryland Housing Plan. This resulted in a successful session, with the passage of the most comprehensive housing legislation in decades to make housing more affordable for Marylanders. The Governor’s Housing Package and budget have created the pathway for more homes to be built in Maryland than in any of the previous 10 years and made law that will change the landscape for renters.2024 Legislative Housing Successes

Legislative Session

INPUTS

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126
Supporters Testifying

51
Committee,
Subcommittee & Work Group Meetings

1,450​
Yes Votes

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OUTCOMES

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A New Community Development Entity

The First Ever Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs

A $361 Million​ Capital Budget That Multiplies Investment in Housing and Community Development

​Incentives to Increase Development Density Where We Want It

Requires Landlords to Offer Right of First Refusal to Certain Tenants

Just Community Designation to Target Investment in Disinvested Areas

Increase in Eviction Filing Fee From $15 TO $50

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Reduction in the Allowable Security Deposit to One Month’s Rent


Resource​s

Guides and information on how new legislation will be applied across the state will become available below and is categorized by respective audiences. As each new resource is made available, it will additionally be distributed by email to these respective audiences.

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County and Municipal Officials

​Resources and updates will be made available here for planning, zoning and permitting officials; planning commission/boards of (zoning) appeals, Historic District commissions, architectural review boards and housing and code enforcement officials.          

Law Enforcement and Legal​ Partners

Resources and updates will be made available here specific to Sheriff’s Offices, legal partners and housing counseling agencies.           

Development Teams

Resources and updates will be made available here for architects, engineers, land planners and developers, as well as land planners, landlords and property owners.           

Renters and Homeowner​s

Resources and updates will be made available here for renters and homeowners.              

Banks, CDFIs, Financial Institutions

Resources and updates will be made available here for banks, Community Development Financial Institutions, and other financial institutions.           

Community Development Organizations

Resources and updates will be made available here for community development and economic development organizations.         

Upcoming Events

Information coming soon.

Past Events