Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Prepares Partners for Implementation of New Laws that Address Housing Affordability

Turning the Key Campaign Launches Webinar Series, Publishes Resources on Housing Expansion and Affordability Act

NEW CARROLLTON, MD – Through the Turning the Key campaign, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has worked closely with partners to develop and distribute the first set of guidance on the historic housing legislation Governor Wes Moore signed into law during the 2024 General Assembly Session. The Department has launched a webinar series and distributed documents summarizing the legislation and its impacts tailored to specific audiences, including a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document on the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB 538). Additional guidance will continue to be added as the Department works with jurisdictions and stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation to address housing affordability, protect renters and foster strong communities.

“These new resources, informed by thoughtful engagement with stakeholders, will ensure transparency, encourage important dialogue and aid in the development of more housing across the State of Maryland,” said Secretary Jake Day. “We made historic progress on housing this legislative session, and now it’s time to build the homes that Marylanders need and Maryland’s economy needs.”

Gov. Moore’s 2024 Housing Package is the most comprehensive housing legislation in decades to make housing more affordable for Marylanders by spurring new housing construction, cutting burdensome red tape, enhancing long-term financial investment in low-income areas and centralizing resources for Maryland renters. The Governor’s Housing Package and budget have created the pathway for more homes to be built in Maryland than in any of the previous 10 years and made law that will change the landscape for renters.

The Department launched its webinar series Tuesday covering nonprofit and historic campuses that are eligible for increased density under HB 538. The recording is available on the Turning the Key website. The next webinar, scheduled for Friday, August 23, at 12:00 p.m., will cover qualified projects located near rail stations established under HB 538. Registration is available here and a recording will also be available following the webinar.

All materials and updates through the Turning the Key campaign are shared with the respective audiences through email distribution lists, which currently total nearly 1,600 recipients subscribed as county and municipal officials, development teams and community development organizations across the state. To subscribe for updates, go to dhcd.maryland.gov/subscribe.

The Frequently Asked Questions document on HB 538, prepared in partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning, was released last week and addresses new provisions and other changes to the law put into place by HB 538 and will be updated periodically as new questions are received. Additionally, a Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act (HB 693) Frequently Asked Questions document was published Tuesday. Those with questions regarding the implementation of HB 538 can submit them to the department through the HB 538 form, and those with questions regarding HB 693 can submit through the HB 693 form.

For more information about DHCD’s legislative successes, implementation of these laws and to sign up for email updates, visit dhcd.maryland.gov/TurningtheKey.