Photo courtesy of Governor Moore’s Photo Gallery
Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order, Housing Starts Here, aimed at tackling the state’s growing housing shortage and making homes more affordable. The order focuses on accelerating development on state-owned land, streamlining state permitting processes, setting housing production targets for local governments, and incentivizing jurisdictions that meet or exceed these goals. With an estimated shortfall of up to 150,000 homes statewide, Moore emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “When we talk about housing that’s more affordable, we’re not just talking about building shelter; we’re talking about building a legacy.”
The executive order directs the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of General Services to identify state-owned properties suitable for development, particularly transit-oriented projects, while removing unnecessary permitting delays. Agencies are required to digitize applications and streamline approvals by early next year. A newly created state housing ombudsman will coordinate between agencies, developers, and local jurisdictions to ensure projects move forward efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Under the executive order, beginning in January, local governments are required to set five-year housing production targets, with progress reviewed annually. Jurisdictions that demonstrate strong results will be eligible for Maryland Housing Leadership Awards and gain competitive advantages in future state funding applications. The executive order doesn’t specify consequences for jurisdictions that fail to meet housing goals, nor does it quantify how many units could realistically result from the changes. However, tackling the affordable housing challenges facing the state of Maryland is the focus of the executive order. Housing Secretary Jake Day noted, “More housing is the key to a more affordable Maryland. This order will spur growth and ensure more people can live, work, and raise their families in our great towns and cities.”
Gov. Moore executive order aims to boost Maryland housing stock – The Baltimore Banner
