“We made the choice to put housing front-and-center this year because we know this issue can’t wait. Building a stronger housing market can’t wait. Tackling a housing shortage of 96,000 units in Maryland can’t wait,” said Gov. Moore. “We introduced the most comprehensive housing package of any Maryland administration in recent history – and we were unapologetic about it.”
Included among Governor Moore’s champion pieces of legislation signed today are:
The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act directly addresses Maryland’s housing supply and affordability crisis to lower costs and expand economic opportunity for Marylanders across the state. The bill incentivizes the construction of new housing by removing barriers to development that have contributed to the current supply shortage. The bill will also modernize land use law and expedite and simplify approval for transit-oriented development, development on former state-owned complexes, and housing development by 501(c)(3) organizations.
The Housing and Community Development Financing Act strengthens the state’s financing tools for tackling vacant houses and creates the Maryland Community Investment Corporation to unlock tens of millions in federal funding for investments in projects and businesses in low-income communities across the state.
The Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act protects Maryland renters who are experiencing housing instability. This bill establishes the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to provide renters with information about their rights, creates the Maryland Tenants Bill of Rights, increases the eviction filing fee to address the high eviction filing rate across the county, saves renters money by reducing required security deposits and creates new pathways to homeownership by providing tenants the opportunity to purchase their homes.
“Thanks to Governor Moore’s leadership and working together with legislators and housing advocates, this was the most impactful session for housing in recent Maryland history,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This year marks the turning point for the state to reduce the housing shortage, protect renters and ultimately make Maryland a more affordable, desirable place to live.”
To view the complete list of bills signed into law today, visit:
https://governor.maryland.gov/
Recent Stories
Olney’s Fair Hill Shops shopping center began its summer concert series on May 9th and will continue through September 26th. The concerts take place on the second and fourth Thursday…
Megan Lee of Watkins Mill High School and Kairo Maysonet Walker of Julius West Middle School were the top winners in their respective categories in this year’s “Keeping it Safe…
It has been nearly 10 years since Walmart officially abandoned its plans to open a store in Aspen Hill. The retail giant was intending to build a 118,000-square-foot store with expanded…
The Office of Governor Moore issued the following news release on Friday, May 17:
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
