2027 Maryland DHCD Town Manager Circuit Rider Program

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

The purpose of this document is to serve as a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for grants to support eligible Maryland towns with managing grants and projects that result in improvements to town operations, including the availability of affordable housing, improved community facilities and services, and the preservation of existing housing, infrastructure and historic resources.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Maryland towns with a population of 5,000 or less that join with one or more town (the Circuit) and 
• are sponsored by a corporation, foundation, county, municipality or governmental entity of it, regional agency or other legal entity where no part of the net earnings of which insures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual holding an interest in the entity (Circuit Sponsor}

Total Funding Available

The total amount of funding available is determined by the Maryland General Assemble.  That amount is not available at the time of this NOFA.

Award Amount

The award amount per Circuit is based on the amount of funds available, analysis of Town resources in terms of existing staff, town budget as well as past performance with the Circuit Rider and/or other DHCD programs, and statement of need provided in the application for funds.

Period of Performance

Circuit Rider funds are granted for a one year period of performance.

Application Process

1.  Interested towns must submit the Statement of Intent form provided with this NOFA and return it to DHCD by May 5, 2026.
2. The Application will be emailed to interested towns and Circuit sponsors on May 8th.
3. Applicants should attend the Information Session on May 11, 2026 at 2 p.m.
4. Applications are to be submitted by June 26, 2026.

Key Dates

Submission Instructions

Each Town is to return the completed and signed Statement of Intent by the deadline provided above.  The application will be emailed to the Circuit Sponsor contact that is provided on the State of Intent.

Further Information

An informational meeting for potential applicants will be held on May 11, 2026 1:00 PM. Details and registration for this event are available at 2027 Circuit Rider Information Session.

For questions regarding this NOFA, please contact Dona L Sorce -DHCD-.