Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
States & Cities Ponder Ending Detached Single-Family Zoning

A New York Times article (2019-06-18) analyzed the debate taking place in some states cities about reducing or eliminating single-family detached homes and replacing them with townhomes, duplexes, or other multi-family dwellings. Supporters argue the move is necessary to address affordable housing, racial inequality, and climate change. Critics argue the move could create infrastructure challenges, reduce property values and quality of life, and fundamentally upset the character of certain neighborhoods. The article indicated that several jurisdictions are…

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June 19, 2019
Bill Before Montgomery Council Holds Landlords Accountable to Tenants for Condemned Properties
County News / Housing and Community Development
Bill Before Montgomery Council Holds Landlords Accountable to Tenants for Condemned Properties

Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando has introduced a bill that would require landlords to reimburse tenants for moving expenses if the property was condemned by the county as “unfit for human habitation.” As reported in the Bethesda Beat: Tenants would either be reimbursed for three months of the condemned complex’s rent, or three months’ worth “fair market value” rent based on federal housing standards. Exceptions to the rule would apply in the event that…

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June 19, 2019
Project C.O.R.E. Marks Major Milestone in City’s Fight Against Blight
County News / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
Project C.O.R.E. Marks Major Milestone in City’s Fight Against Blight

Governor Larry Hogan and Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young today announced a major milestone in the fight against blight in Baltimore City: the elimination of the 4,000th unit of blight through Project C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise), a city-state partnership to revitalize Baltimore City. https://twitter.com/mayorbcyoung/status/1139217338090307584 According to a press release: The demolition at the 1700 block of North Bradford Street in Baltimore marked the 4,000th unit of blight released for demolition,…

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June 13, 2019
NACo Webinar: Preserving Your County History through Arts-Driven Main Street Initiatives
Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / NACo and Federal Issues
NACo Webinar: Preserving Your County History through Arts-Driven Main Street Initiatives

NACo is teaming with Main Street America host an online webinar, June 19, titled: "Preserving Your County History through Arts-Driven Main Street Initiatives" WEBINAR Creative Counties: Preserving Your County History through Arts-Driven Main Street Initiatives Jun. 19, 2019 , 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Contact Jenna Moran (202) 942-4224 jmoran@naco.org Counties across America are taking steps to preserve their community history while transforming their main street to revitalize local economy and attract residents downtown. Join us on June…

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June 12, 2019
The County Program: Local Duties, Local Powers
County Government and Structure / County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Public Safety and Corrections / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
The County Program: Local Duties, Local Powers

State preemption of local laws, in particular those laws seeking to advance health, environment, and community preservation aims, is a national issue. This article is the first in a series exploring local government powers, their preemption, and implications for Maryland. What Makes Maryland #Countystrong? As compared with other states in the US, Maryland’s county governments have a relatively large role in the delivery of public services. This is in part because Maryland, unlike other states,…

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May 31, 2019
USDA Offering Grants to Help Repair Housing in Rural Communities — Apply Now!
Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
USDA Offering Grants to Help Repair Housing in Rural Communities — Apply Now!

The USDA is accepting applications through its Housing Preservation Grant Program to help eligible applicants repair or rehabilitate housing owned or occupied by low and very-low income rural citizens. Eligible applicants include town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and nonprofit and faith-based organizations -- homeowners are not included. Applicants are encouraged to select projects that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the…

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May 28, 2019
Report Shows Lack of Affordable Housing for the Lowest Income Households
Housing and Community Development
Report Shows Lack of Affordable Housing for the Lowest Income Households

An article from Maryland Matters reports about a study released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) that found a nationwide shortage of affordable housing for extremely low-income households. Maryland was no exception as the article notes that the state is short 118,810 units of accessible rental units for extremely low-income households: Maryland is not unique: In its study, “The Gap,” NLIHC found there is no state in the U.S. with an adequate supply…

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May 16, 2019
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!
Economic Development / Education / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!

A recent US News & World Report study rates Maryland in the top tier of "best states." US News and World Report recently released its quantitative rankings for all 50 states -- with Maryland finished #6 in the ranking, with nearby Virginia just behind at #7. US News routinely offers their well-known rankings and reviews of colleges and universities, and has expanded to offering analysis of other fields as well. From US News coverage: The Best States…

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May 14, 2019
Baltimore City Planner Among 2019 Sustainable Growth Award Winners
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Baltimore City Planner Among 2019 Sustainable Growth Award Winners

A Maryland Department of Planning press release (2019-05-07) announced the winners of the seventh annual Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards, including long-term Baltimore City planner Tom Stosur. The awards recognize innovative and sustainable economic and community development initiatives across the state. Award winners are determined and presented by the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission. This year saw five awards given to two sustainable growth leaders three projects. From the press release: "These awards recognize people and projects…

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May 8, 2019
Is “Infrastructure Week” For Real This Time?
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Housing and Community Development / NACo and Federal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
Is “Infrastructure Week” For Real This Time?

Federal leaders met and discussed a major infrastructure effort - will the issue finally take the spotlight after multiple misfires? This week, President Trump and democratic congressional leaders met over their mutual interest in public infrastructure. The results seem positive - an agreement to focus on a wide-ranging $2 trillion plan. From The Hill coverage: But for a day, at least, the emphasis from Pelosi and Schumer was on what was possible with the White…

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May 1, 2019
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