Housing at the Crossroads: Local Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Housing has become a core issue in Annapolis. 2026 is set to be a year of action, with legislators and stakeholders set to debate an array of solutions.  

Housing policy is taking on new urgency in Annapolis, as state leaders, local officials, and advocates grapple with rising costs, limited supply, and growing pressure to accommodate Maryland’s workforce and vulnerable residents. Lawmakers are signaling that housing is no longer a niche issue, but a core component of economic development, transportation planning, and community revitalization. With proposals ranging from production incentives and zoning changes to infrastructure support and tenant protections, the conversation is shifting toward how the state can support and encourage jurisdictions in meeting demand.

  • Title: Housing at the Crossroads: Local Challenges in a Changing Landscape
  • Description: Counties face the daunting task of balancing community needs, state mandates, and limited infrastructure amid rising development pressures. While local governments work to promote affordability and smart growth, many key factors—such as state regulations, federal funding constraints, and private-market dynamics—lie beyond their control. This session brings together local leaders and housing experts to discuss how counties are adapting to these external forces while preserving community character and ensuring growth aligns with available infrastructure. Join this session for a candid discussion on how counties navigate overlapping mandates and market realities in shaping Maryland’s housing future.
  • Speakers:
    • Scott Gottbreht, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
    • Andy Winkler, Managing Director of Housing & Infrastructure, Bipartisan Policy Center
    • Amy Moredock, Planning Director, Queen Anne’s County
    • Mike Wilkins, Director of Development Review and Planning, Frederick County
  • Moderator: The Honorable Malcolm Augustine, Maryland State Senate
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025; 10:15 am – 11:45 am

The 2025 MACo Winter Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD from December 10-12. This year’s theme is “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next.” More information can be found on MACo’s conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: