From Need to New Units: Financing Affordable Housing Development 

Hear how project financing can help unlock the production of more affordable units. 

Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Maryland counties, but transforming community need into completed units often depends on whether projects can secure workable financing. Rising construction costs, interest rates, and funding gaps can make it difficult to move rental developments, starter homes, and homeownership opportunities from concept to completion. By focusing on financing tools, public programs, and locally driven strategies, counties can help ease these pressures, attract investment, and support the production of housing that is affordable to residents across a range of incomes.

Title: From Need to New Units: Financing Affordable Housing Development 

Description: Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Maryland counties, but turning local need into new units often comes down to financing. This panel will explore the challenges of funding affordable housing development, from rental projects and starter homes to tools that help first-time homebuyers enter the market. Panelists will cover programs and tools counties can take advantage of or implement at the local level to help ease financing pressures in their communities. 

Speakers: 

  • The Honorable Jake Day, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
  • Scott Bruton, Director, Montgomery County, Department of Housing & Community Affairs 
  • Molly Hilligoss, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County 
  • Terry Hickey, Director, Baltimore County Department of Housing & Community Development 

Moderator: The Honorable Lily Qi, Maryland House of Delegates 

Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026; 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm 

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