Newsroom

Legal Notice: Notice of Public Hearing – Residential Rental Housing Projects

October 11, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING ISSUANCE OF BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO FINANCE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, will conduct a public hearing at 12:00 pm, on Friday October 18, 2019 concerning issuance of bonds or other obligations to finance residential rental housing projects. For more information, visit: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/TEFRA/2019/Notice-10-01.pdf

Applications Open for 2020 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants

October 2, 2019 by Sara Luell

Applications Open for 2020 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$200,000 Available for Stewardship Initiatives Statewide

Four different grants are being offered to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities, and land trusts support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship, and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 14, 2019.

“Through Keep Maryland Beautiful we empower local stakeholders to improve the health and beauty of their neighborhoods,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “We have provided more than $2 million in grants and equipment for the cleaning, greening, and revitalization of Maryland’s communities since 2017.”

Visit https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2019/10/01/applications-open-for-2020-keep-maryland-beautiful-grants/ to learn more.

Photo Release: Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Delivers Opening Remarks at Opportunity Zones Conference

October 1, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

Photo Release: Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Delivers Opening Remarks at
Opportunity Zones Conference
Conference Educates Potential Investors on State and Federal Incentives, Highlights Current Opportunity Zone Success Stories

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 1, 2019) — Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, chair of the Maryland Opportunity Zone Leadership Task Force, today delivered opening remarks at the second Maryland Opportunity Zones Conference. Hosted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, the conference provided an opportunity for attendees and potential investors to learn more about the program and its incentives, as well as additional state incentives and current Opportunity Zone success stories in Maryland. The lieutenant governor was joined by Housing Secretary Kenneth C. Holt, Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson, and representatives from the private and nonprofit sectors.

The federal Opportunity Zones program is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Treasury. The program provides federal tax incentives for investment in economically distressed and under-served communities. Areas designated as Opportunity Zones will be able to reap the benefits of capital gains to help finance redevelopment and revitalization. Maryland has 149 designated Opportunity Zones, and each of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions has at least one designation.

“For the last four years, Governor Hogan and I, and our entire administration, have been laser-focused on growing jobs and turning around Maryland’s economy, and we’ve seen a lot of success,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “But we know that there are places in the state that have not had the same growth as the rest of Maryland. The Opportunity Zone program is an exciting chance to truly lift up and help these communities.”

During the sold-out conference, more than 400 attendees learned about the expected future impact of Opportunity Zones, how to attract equity to both real estate and operating business projects, and additional state incentives. During the 2019 Legislative Session, the Hogan-Rutherford administration supported, and the governor later signed, a bipartisan omnibus bill that allowed the state to create or expand additional incentives to stack on top of those already offered by the federal government.

Examples of the state incentives include six additional tax credit programs under the Department of Commerce Opportunity Zone Enhancement Program: (1) Job creation; (2) One Maryland; (3) Enterprise Zone; (4) Biotechnology Investment incentive; (5) Cybersecurity Investment incentive; and (6) More Jobs for Marylanders. The legislation also extends the Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program through the Maryland Historic Trust at the Department of Planning through 2024, and authorizes property tax credits at the local level for qualifying properties. In addition, the legislation extends geographic eligibility for State economic development tax credit and financing programs in priority areas, and adds an affordable and workforce housing component to Opportunity Zones to facilitate mixed-income developments.

Attendees also received an overview of some of the current successful projects featured on the Maryland Opportunity Zone Information Exchange, an innovative, first-in-the-nation online resource that serves as a virtual meeting place for investors, fund managers, property developers, new or expanding businesses, and local stakeholders. Examples of successful Opportunity Zone projects include Yard 56, a $160 million, 1-million-square-foot mixed-use development in East Baltimore; the Cambridge Waterfront Development, a $200 million, 25-acre mixed-use development adjacent to Route 50; and the Frostburg Center Street Redevelopment, a $10 million, 15,000-square-foot mixed-use project that will serve both the Frostburg University community and the community at large. Currently, the Information Exchange lists more than 100 projects totaling $12 billion of capital investments, comprising 29,000 housing units and 45 million square feet of commercial development.

“Since the program was created by Congress, Maryland has been ahead of the curve when it comes to Opportunity Zones,” said Secretary Holt. “Governor Hogan has lead the nation in providing state support to leverage private capital. Today’s successful conference is another example of how we as a state are positioning ourselves to maximize Opportunity Zone investment.”

For more information about Opportunity Zones and for maps of selected communities, visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/OpportunityZones.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Owen McEvoy, Director of the Office of Public Information, owen.mcevoy@maryland.gov, 443-679-7653

Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803

Notice of DRAFT Performance Report Update and Comment Period on the State of Maryland’s Consolidated Plan

August 26, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

Hogan Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2020 Community Development Block Grants

August 26, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

Hogan Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2020 Community Development Block Grants
More than $4.2 million awarded for public development projects

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (August 26, 2019) – Governor Larry Hogan today announced Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards for Fiscal Year 2020. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will administer more than $4.2 million in CDBG funding for nine community development and infrastructure projects.

“These awards reinforce my administration’s strong support of projects and initiatives in rural Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants will improve infrastructure and services to help revitalize these communities.”

The national CDBG program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. For 45 years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. The program is a vital resource for Maryland’s counties, cities, and towns in their efforts to maintain public infrastructure in their communities and provide critical services to their residents.

The CDBG Program is comprised of two parts. The Entitlement Program is managed by HUD and provides federal funds directly to larger, metropolitan counties and cities. The States and Small Cities Program provides federal funds to the states who then distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns. Through that program, the State of Maryland received nearly $7.8 million in funding in FY20. In addition to the nine community development and infrastructure projects, the funding will be used for homelessness services and special projects across the state.

“The Community Development Block Grant has been an important federal resource for economic development and neighborhood revitalization in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “We will continue to administer the program to effectively respond to the unique needs of these communities and support their redevelopment goals in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner.”

During the Hogan administration, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has administered nearly $40 million in CDBG assistance for more than 100 projects across Maryland.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) States and Small Cities Program
Fiscal Year 2020 Awards

1. Allegany County – $800,000
   Phase 2 of regional sewer improvements
2. Calvert County – $800,000
   Construction of food distribution facility
3. Frederick County – $400,000
   Renovation of affordable rental housing development
4. Frederick County – $400,000
   Homebuyer assistance
5. Town of Oakland (Garrett County) – $320,000
   Sewer improvements
6. Somerset County – $310,000
   Countywide blight removal
7. Washington County – $729,282.05
   Renovations to buildings used to provide services to persons with disabilities
8. Town of Mardela Springs (Wicomico County) – $152,120
   Sidewalk construction and improvements
9. Worcester County – $300,000
   Countywide housing rehabilitation

TOTAL – $4,211,402.05

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Owen McEvoy, Director of the Office of Public Information, owen.mcevoy@maryland.gov, 443-679-7653

Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803

Hogan Administration Announces Nearly $10 Million Rural Broadband Expansion

August 19, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

Hogan Administration Announces Nearly $10 Million Rural Broadband Expansion
First Wave of Five-Year Plan to Connect 225,000 Marylanders to Affordable Internet

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 19, 2019) – Governor Larry Hogan has announced $9.9 million in available funding as part of the first wave of a five-year plan to provide 225,000 Marylanders in rural communities with reliable, affordable internet access.

“Maryland is ranked number one in America for having the fastest internet and we have been working hard to provide high-speed internet to every county in the state,” Governor Hogan said. “Today I’m announcing that we will provide an additional $10 million this year as the first installment of a five-year $100 million initiative that will finally provide another 225,000 Marylanders in rural communities with access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet services.”

Created by executive order in 2017, the Office of Rural Broadband, housed in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, was established to expand broadband capabilities statewide in underserved, rural areas of Maryland.

The plan builds upon earlier efforts made by the Office of Rural Broadband, which successfully implemented the following projects:

• Provided a loan and refinanced $17 million of the City of Westminster’s debt through the Local Government Infrastructure Financing Program for Westminster’s newly completed fiber network. This financing support will ensure that the city’s network is sustainable and will allow for the completion of customer installations over the next three years.
• Awarded grants of up to $100,000 each for 11 small broadband pilot projects in five counties.
• Awarded grants of up to $60,000 each to six counties for broadband feasibility studies. The studies will identify areas lacking broadband facilities, provide guidance for planning and construction, and determine present cost estimates.
• Hosted a conference in the summer of 2018 for county information technology and economic development officials to determine the needs and status of each county’s broadband expansion efforts. Eighteen counties attended the conference, where best practices developed in relation to local efforts were presented.
• Provided technical assistance and application preparation funding with grants of up to $200,000 for the upcoming USDA ReConnect broadband funding program. The office worked with two applicants, Easton Utilities on behalf of Talbot County and Armstrong Communications on behalf of Harford and Cecil Counties. If the applicants are selected by USDA, they could be eligible for federal grant awards up to $25 million each.

For more information, visit www.dhcd.maryland.gov/RuralBroadband.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Owen McEvoy, Director of the Office of Public Information, owen.mcevoy@maryland.gov, 443-679-7653

Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803

In Case You Missed It: Frank Dickson on “Living In Baltimore”

August 9, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

On July 26, Director of Strategic Business Initiatives Frank Dickson appeared as a guest on Heaven 600 WCAO on the Greater Baltimore Community Housing Resource Board’s “Living in Baltimore” radio show, hosted by Bill Kladky. Frank and Bill discussed Opportunity Zones and their potential to change Baltimore City and Maryland for the better. If you missed it the first time around, you can hear the full interview here: http://gbchrb.org/LIB%20-%20MDHCD%20-%20Dickson%202019%20Jul.mp3

Governor Hogan Participates In Groundbreaking For New C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters

August 8, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

For immediate release:
August 8, 2019
Contact:
Shareese Churchill shareese.churchill@maryland.gov
410-974-2316

Governor Hogan Participates In Groundbreaking For New C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters
Project Will Bring 70 New Jobs to Williamsport

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today, with the National Park Service (NPS), Washington County, and the Town of Williamsport, Md., broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art visitor center that will serve as the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park Headquarters.

This groundbreaking is the result of a $15 million project with federal, state, and local cooperation that will provide a significant boost to the local economy, bringing 70 new jobs to Williamsport.

Governor Hogan was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin; National Park Service Director P. Daniel Smith; C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin D. Brandt; State Senator George C. Edwards; Delegate William J. Wivell; Williamsport Mayor William B. Green; Washington County commissioners; and members of the community.

Williamsport will be the only place in North America where visitors can experience every aspect of a working canal in one place, from a lift lock, to a lockhouse, a railroad lift bridge, a warehouse and coal basin, and a functional aqueduct. Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provided significant financial support to the project, with DHCD Secretary Kenneth C. Holt overseeing the negotiations and planning with NPS. Washington County and the Town of Williamsport also played an instrumental role in ensuring the project’s success.

In addition, today’s groundbreaking marked the completion of a two-year, $10.2 million endeavor to rebuild the historic Conococheague Aqueduct in order to create the first watered operational aqueduct along the C&O Canal in 95 years.

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Hogan Administration Announces Awards for Affordable Rental Housing

July 31, 2019 by Andy DeVilbiss

Hogan Administration Announces Awards for Affordable Rental Housing
15 projects across the state will result in the creation or preservation of a record 1,837 units

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (July 31, 2019) – The Hogan administration today announced the results of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s most recent application round for federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and state Rental Housing Funds. More than $44 million in state funds and federal tax credits have been awarded to 15 projects, which will result in the creation or preservation of 1,837 high quality affordable rental units. This is the largest number of units financed in the history of the program in Maryland.

The 15 awarded projects are distributed between eight counties and Baltimore City. A focus for this year’s application round were projects located in Opportunity Zones, areas designated by the federal government to spur economic development. Six projects in Opportunity Zones were awarded $17.5 million, including South Street Centre, which will create 152 units for seniors and families in Frederick, and Sojourner Place at Wolfe, which will create 70 units in Baltimore City, including 35 units set aside for formerly homeless individuals.

“My administration is committed to making sure that seniors and families have access to affordable, quality housing,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “By investing in Opportunity Zones, we are able to leverage state resources and federal dollars to create the most impact.”

Awards are determined through competitive application rounds held annually by the department. For this latest competitive round, the department received 47 applications for projects in Maryland, requesting more than $122 million in financing. The 15 projects awarded will receive more than $22.5 million in state Rental Housing Funds and nearly $21.7 million in federal 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, leveraging more than $262 million in private sector capital. The department received the greatest number of applications in the history of the program.

By making use of a unique “twinning” financial structure, combining the competitive 9% credits with $5 million in noncompetitive 4% credits issued by the department, a record 1,837 total affordable rental units will be financed as a result of this round.

“Thanks to the creativity of our team, we were able to leverage other assets, such as 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits to make our financing tools go further and help house more people,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt.

For a list of awardees, see Affordable Rental Housing Awardees 2019.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Owen McEvoy, Director of the Office of Public Information, owen.mcevoy@maryland.gov, 443-679-7653

Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803

Hogan Administration Celebrates Anniversary of SmartBuy 2.0

July 16, 2019 by Sara Luell

For immediate release:
July 16, 2019
Contact:
Shareese Churchill shareese.churchill@maryland.gov
410-974-2316

Hogan Administration Celebrates Anniversary of SmartBuy 2.0
Over $6 Million in Student Debt Eliminated Through Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Hogan administration today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Maryland SmartBuy 2.0 initiative. Managed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this nationally recognized homeownership program enables prospective homebuyers to eliminate up to $40,000 in student loan debt while purchasing an eligible home through the Maryland Mortgage Program. After a successful pilot of Maryland SmartBuy in 2016, Governor Larry Hogan announced an extension of the initiative in July 2018, greatly expanding the number of homes eligible under the program.

“In Maryland, nearly 60 percent of all of our college students are graduating with thousands of dollars in student debt. This financial burden prevents many young Marylanders from achieving financial security and is a roadblock to homeownership and saving for retirement,” said Governor Hogan. “Today, our administration is proud to celebrate a very successful inaugural year of Maryland SmartBuy 2.0, through which Maryland homebuyers have eliminated millions of dollars in student debt while settling down right here in our great state.”

To support Maryland SmartBuy 2.0, Governor Hogan provided $3 million for the program in his Fiscal Year 2019 budget. Due to demand, DHCD provided an additional $3 million in bridge funding through the Down Payment and Settlement Assistance Program, eliminating a total of $6 million in student debt, an average of $28,000 per participant. For Fiscal Year 2020, Governor Hogan has doubled the program’s original funding to $6 million.

In addition to this critical initiative, Governor Hogan introduced the Student Debt Relief Act for both the 2018 and 2019 legislative sessions. This legislation would have allowed Marylanders to deduct 100 percent of the interest paid on their student loans from their income tax return and would have expanded the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program to include four-year Maryland public institutions. The legislature failed both times to act on these proposals.

“Maryland SmartBuy is the first program of its kind in the nation designed to address the decline in homeownership rates among younger, millennial Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “The program was an immediate success, quickly becoming a national model for similar programs, and, under Governor Hogan’s leadership, we have continued to expand and adapt this innovative initiative to empower more Maryland homebuyers to erase their student debt while securing their piece of the American dream of homeownership.”

Maryland SmartBuy’s mortgage loans are provided through DHCD’s Maryland Mortgage Program, the state’s flagship homeownership assistance program for nearly 40 years. Traditionally, the program provides fixed-term mortgages, primarily to first-time homebuyers, along with down payment and closing cost incentives.

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