Affordable Housing

Planning Launches New Features on Housing Element Models and Guidelines

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Resources and Tools

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

It’s that time of year again…June is American Housing Month! 

At the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning), we believe every Marylander deserves an opportunity for a  safe, affordable home,  to enjoy and share with their family.  

Last year at this time, both to celebrate and to do our part, Planning announced our new Housing Models and Guidelines (M&G) in our June 2020 edition of Planning Practice Monthly.  The Housing M&G is designed to help communities and planners develop Housing Elements as part of their comprehensive planning processes. Specifically, the Housing M&G helps local planners and other agency staff customize their processes and housing elements based on the unique characteristics and needs of their communities. 

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Maryland’s Affordable Housing Resource Database: A Brief Users’ Guide

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by Sarah Lipkin Sularz, Regional Planner and Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

On June 16, 2020, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) published a webpage for our new Housing Element Models and Guidelines (M&G), developed in response to House Bill 1045 (HB 1045 [2019]) to support local governments in planning affordable housing with their jurisdictions. 

In every region of Maryland there is a great need for additional affordable housing and communities from across the state have sought out funding sources and assistance for new and proposed housing of all kinds and for every type of household.

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Housing Planning is Both a Process and a Practice

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By Joe Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

While the requirement to include a housing element in all new and updated comprehensive plans in Maryland may have only become effective on June 1, 2020, many planning methods and practices for implementing affordable housing are well established.

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Self-assessments Help with Planning for Housing

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Resources and Tools 

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

The Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) believes that addressing affordable housing begins with earnest local dialogue and focused visioning.  Nationally developed data, state resources, and comparable best practices and examples are key inputs to a housing needs assessment and action plan, but planning for the housing needs of existing and future residents also calls for internal reflection involving a wide range of stakeholders. 

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Maryland Department of Planning Publishes Housing Element Models and Guidelines

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Resources and Tools 

One bright house surrounded by dark houses
Photo Credit: Public Domain

June is American Housing Month! The Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) believes every Marylander deserves an opportunity for a safe and affordable home to share with family and friends. 

Continue reading →