Photo courtesy of Governor Moore’s Photo Gallery
Speaking before county leaders and state officials at the conclusion of Maryland Association of Counties’ summer conference, Gov. Wes Moore put housing front and center, calling it one of the state’s most urgent challenges. “We must go faster on affordable housing,” Moore said, highlighting that half of Maryland renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing and that the state ranks 43rd nationwide in affordability.
Moore outlined a forthcoming initiative that will focus on streamlining permitting, using public land for housing development, and setting statewide housing goals to measure progress. While he did not provide full details, the governor signaled that counties who partner with the state could benefit. “This is the moment to reward those jurisdictions that are stepping up to be pro-housing … because everyone must participate for us to succeed,” he said.
Moore pressed leaders to join him in accelerating projects that connect affordable housing with jobs and transportation hubs, framing the effort as not only a housing solution but an economic driver. “If we want to build new bridges to wealth, bring down costs, and supercharge growth, we need to prioritize housing that’s affordable and located near jobs and transportation,” he said.
Moore also used the platform to reflect on his administration’s accomplishments, from balancing a $3.3 billion budget gap with the General Assembly to navigating federal challenges. His keynote blended policy urgency with a call for unity across party lines, telling the audience that Maryland’s path forward depends on both “God’s grace and steady leadership.”
The Governor’s speech in its entirety can be found here.
Moore hints at coming effort to spur affordable housing construction – Maryland Matters
