At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about what’s working—and what’s not—in Maryland’s efforts to expand housing supply.
County governments play a uniquely vital role in shaping the look, smell, and feel of our communities. As the level of government closest to communities, counties have long held the authority to guide land use and zoning decisions that directly impact residents’ daily lives. However, in the face of a national affordable housing crisis, state-level proposals increasingly seek to impose top-down solutions, endangering the autonomy and input that Maryland residents expect and deserve.
Delegate Robbyn Lewis led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the “Housing for All − Part 1: Building Balance Between Community Voices and Housing Needs” general session at the MACo Summer Conference.
Panel speakers included:
- Deb Carpenter, Director of the Planning and Permitting Division, Frederick County
- Lakisha Hull, Director, Prince George’s Department of Planning
- Bobby Thompson, Executive Committee Member, Maryland Building Industry Association
The state’s latest housing needs assessment is driving much of the conversation in Maryland. While the paper noted local regulatory policies as a barrier, it did not fully assess state mandated requirements or regulations. pic.twitter.com/FzC7lH6y2Y
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 15, 2025
Deb Carpener kicked off the conversation by discussing what is developing in other states. She referenced NY, MA, & others that are seeing a significant growth in tension between state and local leaders.
Lakisha Hull zoomed in to give an on-the-ground perspective. A major focus for the county is 15-minute communities, where everyone lives within a close distance of everything they need.
Bobby Thompson explained the developer’s perspective on why housing production has slowed down and what private actors are looking for to make investments in housing.
Back to Lakisha Hull, Director from @PrinceGeorgesMD, a major focus for the county is 15 minute communities, where everyone lives within a close distance of everything they need. pic.twitter.com/ofAlCgyGHq
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 15, 2025
The session was on August 14th at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More About MACo’s Summer Conference:
