Regional Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing in Maryland: A Rural Developer’s Experience

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Local Spotlight

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

While articles about sky rocketing rental and home sales prices, housing shortages, and homelessness have routinely made national headlines over the past few years, common misconceptions about affordable housing remain.

Figure 1 – Photo of housing at Liberty Hill, part of GCCAC’s Chautauqua West affordable housing development in Garrett County; courtesy, Duane Yoder.

To help deal with such issues, the Maryland legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1045 in 2019, which requires jurisdictions with planning and zoning authority to address housing as part of a comprehensive plan.

In light of this, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) developed guidance (Models and Guidelines), online tools (Housing Data Dashboard) and other resources to assist local governments with developing or updating their housing elements.

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Lower Eastern Shore Collaborates with the MPCA on Citizen Planner Education

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MPCA Corner

On February 21, more than 40 citizen and professional planners gathered at Salisbury University’s Guerrieri Student Union for the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association’s (MPCA) first regional workshop of 2020. The MPCA extends its gratitude to the university, Salisbury’s Mayor Jake Day, and Salisbury City Planner, Anne Roane, for sponsoring the event (and providing lunch!), helping craft the content of its educational sessions, and welcoming attendees from across the region with open arms. It was an early rise for those of us traveling from Central Maryland and beyond, but it was worth it.

Packed house at Salisbury MPCA Workshop

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