Read more about the article 2024 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning and Zoning
Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
2024 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning and Zoning

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on planning and zoning policy in the 2024 General Assembly session. Planning and zoning is an integral function of county governments and an area that spurs a high level of interaction with residents and business owners. In its planning & zoning advocacy, MACo seeks to protect the ability of local governments – those closest to the people and with the most insight into local needs…

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April 10, 2024
Read more about the article Howard County Announces Wealth-Building Program for Affordable Homeownership
County Budgets / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development
Howard County Announces Wealth-Building Program for Affordable Homeownership

Howard County has announced the launch of a new homeownership program, Opportunities for Wealth-Building Now, or OWN. This program will help grow and expand homeownership in Howard County. In addition, County Executive Calvin Ball unveiled updates to County regulations and a $4 million commitment toward homeownership in his Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) operating budget. "In Howard County, our residents enjoy one of the very best places to live, work, play, grow and thrive for all.…

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April 4, 2024
Read more about the article MACo Backs Additional Tools to Combat Housing Crisis
County News / Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony
MACo Backs Additional Tools to Combat Housing Crisis

On March 26, 2024, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee in support of SB 138- Property Taxes - Authority of Counties to Establish a Subclass and Set a Special Rate for Vacant and Abandoned Property. This bill provides counties with additional tools to discourage vacancy and take action to combat the current housing crisis. Leading up to the 2024 legislative session, MACo spent several months working…

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March 27, 2024
Read more about the article Counties Face April Reporting for Federal ARPA/SLFRF Funds – FAQs Available from NACo
Coronavirus / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets
Counties Face April Reporting for Federal ARPA/SLFRF Funds – FAQs Available from NACo

NACo has developed resources with the US Department of the Treasury, to help guide counties in their upcoming April 30 reporting due on federal funds provided through congressional enactments during the coronavirus emergency. On April 30, 2024, annual Project and Expenditure (P&E) Reports are due to the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) for all counties, parishes and boroughs that received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). These required, periodic…

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March 27, 2024
Read more about the article Community Health and Safety Works Grants Available for Local Govt
County News / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Community Health and Safety Works Grants Available for Local Govt

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced $10 million in grant funding for local government and nonprofit organizations through its Community Health and Safety Works (CHSW) program. The grant funding will support projects aimed at improving the physical environment, which impacts health and safety, to enhance the livability and economic potential of communities in Maryland. “To raise the quality of life and encourage safe and vibrant Maryland communities, we must raise the…

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March 21, 2024
Read more about the article Some County-Backed Housing Bills Advance by Crossover, But Major Issues Still Pending
County News / General Assembly News / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Some County-Backed Housing Bills Advance by Crossover, But Major Issues Still Pending

Several county-backed housing bills advance before the Crossover deadline, guaranteeing a near-record year for housing policy.  For the 2024 legislative session, MACo designated Advancing Comprehensive Housing Solutions as one of counties' top four legislative initiatives. As part of this effort, MACo staff has advocated for a broad-based approach to help Maryland address its housing concerns – supporting legislation that provides resources, tools, and guidance to benefit builders, homebuyers, and residential communities. Below is an overview…

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March 19, 2024
Read more about the article 2024 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit Applications Now Available Online
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
2024 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit Applications Now Available Online

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation has announced that applications for the 2024 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit programs, which saved Marylanders more than $58 million in FY23, are available online. “Our department is committed to helping Maryland’s hard-working taxpayers save money on their rent or annual property tax bill, and strongly encourages all eligible residents to apply for the Homeowners’ or Renters’ Tax Credits this year,” said Director Michael Higgs. “We continue to enhance…

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March 14, 2024
Read more about the article Baltimore City Targets Housing With Federal ARPA Funds
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Baltimore City Targets Housing With Federal ARPA Funds

11 projects in Baltimore City have been awarded $29.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support permanent supportive housing and traditional affordable housing developments.  “Exactly three years after it was signed into law by President Joe Biden, the American Rescue Plan Act continues to fuel projects making a tangible difference in the lives of Baltimoreans,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “With this critical federal support, we established our Housing Accelerator Fund – a move…

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March 14, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland Places Top Three for Best Quality of Life
Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Maryland Places Top Three for Best Quality of Life

New research has identified Maryland as the third-best living hotspot in the United States, following California and Wyoming. The ranking, compiled by experts at visiolending.com, analyzed factors such as household debt-to-income ratio, property crime rate, and unemployment rate to determine the final scores. Maryland received a high score for its low unemployment rate and low grocery expenditure, showcasing its appeal as a place to live. California claimed the top spot on the list, with its…

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March 7, 2024
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