On March 4, the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee heard SB 430 – Land Use – Regional Housing Infrastructure Gap (Housing for Jobs Act).
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko and MACo’s 1st Vice President MC Keegan-Ayer (Council Member, Frederick) testified in support of this bill with amendments.
This bill makes several changes to the land use article, establishing a jobs-to-housing ratio and certain threshold requirements should a county fall below a certain ratio.
The Housing for Jobs Act builds off the Governor’s Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024, which created a system of state density bonuses and established a new “unreasonable” standard, among other things. Counties have significant concerns with the bill as drafted, as it creates a series of loopholes for permit applicants and opens the door to unintended consequences and implementation concerns. As the frontline actor in land use − and housing policy − counties remain committed to working with the Administration in advancing comprehensive housing solutions.
This year, the Administration introduced SB 430 as its next major housing initiative. However, counties—key implementation partners—have not been deeply included in the shaping of this subsequent package and have very serious concerns about its unintended consequences. While committed to partnering with the Administration to expand housing opportunities, counties urge a more collaborative approach to ensure effective, locally responsive solutions.
SB 430’s cross-file, HB 503, was also heard on March 4 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Dominic Butchko and MC Keegan-Ayer testified in support of this bill with amendments.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
