Read more about the article Bill Providing Tenants with Additional Protections Advances in the Senate
County News / Housing and Community Development
Bill Providing Tenants with Additional Protections Advances in the Senate

A bill designed to defend tenants from antagonistic landlords has passed the Judicial Proceedings Committee and is on its way to the Senate floor. SB 100 Real Property – Actions to Repossess – Proof of Rental Licensure requires landlords to submit evidence of compliance with local rental property licensure requirements before repossessing certain licensed residential property. Counties welcome the clarity and security this legislation provides, especially considering the landscape of the current housing market. At…

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March 15, 2023
Read more about the article ADUs Study Bill Advances with County-Proposed Amendments
Housing and Community Development
ADUs Study Bill Advances with County-Proposed Amendments

Legislation that would bring together stakeholders to study current ADU policy and best practices has passed the Senate and will now go to the House Environment and Transportation Committee. If enacted SB 382 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force would facilitate the study of current efforts at the state and local level to promote the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on land previously designated for single-family residential use. MACo's amendments, which the committee…

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March 13, 2023
Read more about the article MACo Backed Bill to Better Business Facades Passes House
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development
MACo Backed Bill to Better Business Facades Passes House

A bill aiming to boost economic development across Maryland at relatively low cost has crossed chambers. On March 9, the House gave near-unanimous approval of HB 706 – Economic Development – Sustainable Communities – Business Facade Improvement Program, forwarding the bill to the Senate. Counties support HB 706. If signed into law, this legislation would enable qualifying businesses to apply for grants under the novel Business Facade Improvement Program to improve the outside appearance of…

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March 13, 2023
Read more about the article Bill to Enhance RISE Zone Flexibility Passes House, Moves to Senate
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development
Bill to Enhance RISE Zone Flexibility Passes House, Moves to Senate

Legislation that would encourage growth in industries ranging from engineering and robotics to biotechnology and agriculture has passed the House and looks to be on course to advance from the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. HB 471 - Economic Development - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program - Alterations and Financing alters the period of time that the Department of Commerce may designate an area as a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone. The designation…

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March 13, 2023
Read more about the article Garrett County Commissioners Explore Affordable Housing Initiatives
Housing and Community Development
Garrett County Commissioners Explore Affordable Housing Initiatives

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners is working with private and public collaborators to create affordable housing, an important issue for many county residents. Across the United States affordable housing is a challenge. Affordable housing is a complex issue where many residents, or would-be residents, are struggling to find suitable housing that fits within their budget. In 2022, the average home price in the Garrett County market was over $550,000. With the median income in…

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March 9, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Applaud More Resources to Solve the Housing Crisis
Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony
Counties Applaud More Resources to Solve the Housing Crisis

On March 8, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 643 - Housing - Community Development Program Act - Funding. The House Appropriations Committee is due to consider the bill's cross-file, HB 838, on March 14. At a time when ready access to affordable housing is particularly scarce, counties are eager to use every means at their disposal to help displaced residents.…

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March 9, 2023
Read more about the article Coming Soon to Your County: Preservation Maryland Pop-Up Field Offices
Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Tourism
Coming Soon to Your County: Preservation Maryland Pop-Up Field Offices

Preservation Maryland is holding a series of pop-up field offices in all 24 counties. As Maryland's largest, oldest, and most effective preservation organization, Preservation Maryland works to protect the state’s irreplaceable heritage while creating a more equitable & sustainable future. MACo has supported Preservation Maryland's efforts to address a number of pressing issues, including sustainable housing, trades-based workforce development, and historic preservation. Preservation Maryland is hosting Pop-Up Field Offices throughout the state – one in each county – to…

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March 8, 2023
Housing and Community Development
Prince George’s Pass Rent Stabilization Bill, Montgomery Making Similar Moves

Prince George's Council recently passed rent stabilization legislation. Montgomery Council is considering similar legislation. Prince George's County The Prince George’s Council, during session on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, voted to support CB-007-2023, legislation establishing the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023. The measure temporarily amends the Landlord-Tenant Code to limit landlords’ ability to increase rent for tenants above 3% over a 12-month period. The bill temporarily stops excessive rent increases and helps residents stay in their homes. Under the…

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March 3, 2023
Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony
Counties Support Additional Tools to Address Housing Concerns

On February 24, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 684 - Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Just Cause Termination Provisions. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will consider the bill's cross-file, SB 504, on March 7. HB 684 authorizes counties to enact, through local law or ordinance, provisions prohibiting a landlord of residential property from failing to renew…

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February 27, 2023
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