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Governor Hogan Announces Maryland To Receive $402 Million Through Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program

January 14, 2021 by Andy DeVilbiss

Governor Hogan Announces Maryland To Receive $402 Million Through Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Funding Will Expand Existing Rental Programs For Those Impacted by COVID-19
Can Be Used For Rent, Utilities, Home Energy Costs, and Other Housing Expenses

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 14, 2021) — Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland is eligible for an estimated $402,439,000 in federal rental assistance made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The state officially filed its application to the U.S. Treasury Department on January 8, ahead of the January 12 deadline. The majority of the funding will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, with local jurisdictions managing the remainder.

“COVID-19 has caused incredible hardships for the people of our state,” said Governor Hogan. “With the addition of this expected funding, more than half a billion dollars in support will be dedicated to keeping Maryland renters safe in their homes during this deadly pandemic.”

Earlier this week, Governor Hogan introduced the RELIEF Act of 2021, an emergency stimulus and tax relief package that will provide more than $1 billion for Maryland working families, small businesses, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding can be used for rent, utilities, home energy costs, arrears, and other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic. The state must wait for the issuance of regulatory language from the federal government to deploy funding. Marylanders should monitor local and state government housing agency websites for updates.

“As soon as we receive this important funding from the federal government, we will use all methods at our disposal to quickly deploy it to Marylanders who need it most,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “This means we will continue our successful strategy of distributing funding through a multipronged approach — directly to local jurisdictions, nonprofit partners, and property management.”

More than $100 million of state, local, and federal funds have already been allocated for rental assistance and eviction prevention, providing relief to thousands of Maryland households. This includes more than $41 million for pandemic relief programs administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The department has administered funds through the Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership, which supports local rental assistance programs, and the Assisted Housing Relief Program, which serves rental units in multifamily projects financed by DHCD’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources. The department will update its website as information on programs, eligibility, and timing becomes available.

Moratorium on Evictions During State of Emergency. On March 16, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can demonstrate that their inability to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced employment, needing to care for a school-aged child, because they are diagnosed with or under investigation for COVID-19. The order remains in effect during the state of emergency.

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Hogan Administration Announces Grant Awards for Opportunity Zone Investment

January 13, 2021 by Sara Luell

Hogan Administration Announces Grant Awards for Opportunity Zone Investment

Neighborhood BusinessWorks Microgrants to support start-up or expanding businesses in designated Opportunity Zones

Maryland Launches New Upgrades for Opportunity Zone Information Exchange

January 8, 2021 by Andy DeVilbiss

From our partners, GIS Planning, Inc.: Maryland Launches Online Data Tool to Promote Investment in Opportunity Zones

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is upgrading its Opportunity Zone Information Exchange platform with GIS Planning’s industry-leading ZoomProspector online software. The new Opportunity Zone platform provides more robust searching and mapping functions to attract investors in these key incentive zones. The mobile-friendly and intuitive platform makes research and analysis easier than ever, and engages users interested in real estate and business opportunities in the State of Maryland. The new interactive search tool is linked directly from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website, to ensure visitors can easily access and act on timely investment opportunities within the state’s designated Opportunity Zones. The Department will be able to devote more time to enhancing these opportunities and connecting with investors, with less time now required to maintain the data and the software. “Since the creation of the federal Opportunity Zones program, the State of Maryland has worked diligently to promote targeted investment that supports thoughtful community redevelopment, spurs positive economic growth, creates jobs, and responds to unique local needs,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “The Maryland Opportunity Zone Information Exchange was among the first online resources in the nation of its kind, and these new upgrades will improve the Exchange, helping to connect investors and community stakeholders with information about projects, businesses, and other activity in Maryland’s 149 designated Opportunity Zones.” The new dedicated Opportunity Zone site is the very first one launched with GIS Planning’s ZoomProspector software, and it is the first to combine both real estate and business investment listings (see this listing, for example). Potential investors can do detailed analysis of demographics, consumer spending, workforce, business and industry data around any listing, as well as add map layers for important variables such as transportation or broadband access. The Share button allows for easy sharing on social media, in email, as PDF or with a custom URL that will direct users back to the listing or report. Website users will also appreciate the 360° virtual tour, Google Street View and 3D rotation provided to view each property or business. Custom Tours, such as interactive interiors, 3D architectural renderings, drone video and more can easily be added. “Potential investors are researching locations online, often well before contacting local officials,” explains Pablo Monzon, cofounder and co-managing director of GIS Planning Inc. “You need to provide this critical data online when they get there or risk losing potential investment. With these data tools, the State of Maryland is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” “GIS Planning is proud to launch the very first ZoomOpportunity site with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The innovative use of online technology will help direct investors to these key incentive zones with the state to support businesses and new developments, as well as create jobs and stimulate the regional economy.” Over $300,000,000 of opportunity zone equity investments have been made throughout Maryland, supporting a total investment of over $3,000,000,000 into businesses and projects within Maryland’s opportunity zones. To learn more about business expansion or relocation opportunities in Maryland, contact: Frank Dickson Director, Strategic Business Initiatives Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development frank.dickson1@maryland.gov  Phone: 301-789-4002

Governor Hogan Announces $50.5 Million For School Construction and Economic Development Projects

January 8, 2021 by Andy DeVilbiss

Governor Hogan Announces $50.5 Million For School Construction and Economic Development Projects
Will Help Create Jobs and Support Economic Recovery as State Battles COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Will Soon Propose Larger Economic and Stimulus Relief Package For Families and Small Businesses

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 8, 2021) — Governor Larry Hogan today announced $50.5 million for critical capital projects in the State of Maryland, including school construction and economic development projects across the state. To date, the governor has announced more than $700 million in emergency economic relief for Marylanders.

“These shovel-ready projects will help create jobs and lay the foundation for the strongest possible recovery,” said Governor Hogan. “In the coming days, we will be proposing a larger economic and stimulus relief package to provide further support to struggling Marylanders and small businesses.”

For more information, visit: https://governor.maryland.gov/2021/01/08/governor-hogan-announces-50-5-million-for-school-construction-and-economic-development-projects/

Holiday Comfort in Lafayette Square

December 22, 2020 by Sara Luell

West Baltimore residents travelling in and around Lafayette Square found a surprising flash of cheer as the park’s recently renovated comfort station was decorated with a light display, a holiday reminder of the ongoing revitalization of the historic park and neighborhood. Originally constructed in 1948,the comfort station provided restroom facilities and other amenities to support community events at the park in the bustling African-American neighborhood. 

Located in one the oldest African-American historic districts in the nation, Lafayette Square park was created in 1857 when the city of Baltimore passed an ordinance to establish a new park on part of an estate formerly owned by the late Dr. Thomas Edmondson. It served as the site for Camp Hoffman, a Union barracks and hospital during the Civil War. After the war, the park returned to recreational use as originally planned, and the surrounding neighborhood quickly became an attractive new neighborhood outside of Baltimore’s downtown. The area was referred to as “Church Square” by many area residents due to the four churches located there. By the 1930s, Lafayette Square had become one of the most fashionable and thriving African-American neighborhoods in Baltimore before suburban flight impacted the area.

In Fiscal Year 2018, the department awarded $90,000 from the Community Legacy program to Baltimore Heritage for the comfort station’s renovation and reopening. A visible symbol of the long term disinvestment in the area, Lafayette Square’s comfort station is now an updated and functional park resource for the community, one that will represent the rich history of Lafayette Square and bring joy to the neighborhood year round.

Governor Hogan Announces COVID-19 Relief Grants for Major Tourism-Related Institutions

December 18, 2020 by Andy DeVilbiss

Governor Hogan Announces COVID-19 Relief Grants for Major Tourism-Related Institutions

$8 Million Will Support 32 Tourism-Producing Organizations
Nearly $50 Million in Funding Has Supported Recovery for More Than 1,800 Nonprofits

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 18, 2020) — Governor Larry Hogan today announced the recipients of 32 awards totaling more than $8 million to tourism-related nonprofits through the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative. This is part of the more than $600 million in emergency economic relief that the state has announced to date.

The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, provides grants up to $500,000 for the state’s nonprofit and tourism producing organizations, such as museums, cultural attractions, zoos and aquariums whose mission and work substantially contributes to the economic development and now economic recovery of Maryland communities through visitor-driven activities and programs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many of Maryland’s great cultural, educational, and historical institutions,” said Governor Hogan. “We’re proud to dedicate this funding through our Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative to help our nonprofit partners weather this storm and keep Marylanders on their payrolls.”

In addition to the nonprofit tourism awards, the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative will also provide $35 million in funding to entertainment venues and Main Street communities impacted by the pandemic. Applications for those programs are currently being reviewed and awards are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Today’s announcement comes after more than $40 million in awards were previously made through the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative to more than 1,800 nonprofit organizations across the state. The Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative provided grants of up to $75,000 to nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These nonprofits employ thousands of staff members and are focused on economic development, heath, human services and housing.

“These initiatives are yet another example of collaboration and cooperation between state agencies that has served as the foundation for Maryland’s nationally-recognized pandemic response and recovery efforts,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Working together we are sustaining a wide range of nonprofit organizations that directly serve Marylanders and provide everything from meal assistance to emergency housing to health services, as well as providing funding to help entertainment venues, tourist attractions, and Main Street businesses rebound from these current economic challenges.”

Launched earlier this year, the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI) is supported by multiple state agencies and provides assistance to nonprofit organizations whose critical operations have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Through the NORI grant opportunities offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and the Maryland State Arts Council, a wide range of nonprofit organizations have received critical funding, including nonprofits licensed by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration and the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

”With help from the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative, our agency provided financial assistance to hundreds of applicants that were negatively impacted by the ongoing pandemic—from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, to independent artists and arts organizations,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “We thank the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for their partnership in supporting the state’s business community and economy during this time.”

Learn more about the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative here.

Learn more about the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative here.

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Secretary Holt Announces Owen McEvoy as New Deputy Secretary at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

December 11, 2020 by Andy DeVilbiss

Secretary Holt Announces Owen McEvoy as New Deputy Secretary at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

NEW CARROLLTON, MD – (December 11, 2020) Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Kenneth C. Holt today announced that Owen McEvoy will serve as Deputy Secretary for the Department.

Prior to his current role, McEvoy served as DHCD’s Director of Public Information where he managed a team of marketing, communications, outreach, business development and customer service professionals. During his tenure, he directed a series of business development and marketing campaigns that have enabled the Maryland Mortgage Program to achieve more than $1 billion in mortgage reservations.

“Owen has been a dedicated member of our team who understands the good work we do each day to change Maryland for the better,” said Secretary Holt. “His experience at various levels of government will ensure tangible progress on many of the transformational projects our department has helped support.”

Before his time in Maryland state government, he served as Director of Media Relations and Public Information Officer for former Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, where he worked extensively on land use and development issues. He also served previously as a Deputy Communications Director for Speechwriting for former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and as an aide to former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich.

A graduate of Villanova University School of Law and Georgetown University, he resides in Anne Arundel County with his wife.

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Register Now for Alternative Financing 2021: A New Look at Access to Capital Webinar

November 24, 2020 by Andy DeVilbiss

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is partnering with the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs to host the webinar Alternative Financing 2021: A New Look at Access to Capital. Geared towards small, minority, women, and veteran business owners and startups, the webinar will highlight the business lending programs offered by the department and the available coaching, training, and support to help business owners qualify for assistance.

The Alternative Financing 2021: A New Look at Access to Capital webinar will be hosted on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Registration for the webinar is free, but advance registration is required. For more information and to register, visit https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDGOMA/bulletins/2ad31ae.

Hogan Administration Announces $19 Million in Eviction Prevention Partnership Grants

November 23, 2020 by Andy DeVilbiss

Hogan Administration Announces $19 Million in Eviction Prevention Partnership Grants
Partnership Supports Local Rental Assistance Programs
Statewide COVID-19 Evictions Moratorium Remains In Place

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 23, 2020) — Governor Larry Hogan today announced that 17 Maryland local jurisdictions were awarded $19.3 million in Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership grants, which will address the needs of more than 3,600 households across the state.

“Maryland has continued to be a national leader in our COVID-19 response, which is why we have responded aggressively with targeted rental relief funding,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants will help ensure our citizens can remain safe and secure in their homes as we continue to respond to this global pandemic.”

Awards were made to the following jurisdictions:

Through the Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is awarding federal Community Development Block Grant funding across local jurisdictions in Maryland to prevent evictions. DHCD had already distributed $2.2 million in Eviction Prevention Partnership grants to eight counties, part of a more than $20 million partnership with Maryland’s local jurisdictions. Landlords and tenants should contact their local jurisdiction for more information.

Assisted Housing Relief Program. In addition to this partnership with local governments, Governor Hogan also launched the Assisted Housing Relief Program, an eviction prevention program intended to help bring rental delinquencies current and provide real relief for tenants through direct payments to their eligible property management company. Tenants in eligible properties will be credited rent rebates paid directly to the property management company, which will eliminate their rental debt and the threat of eviction.

The program serves rental units in multifamily projects financed by DHCD’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program where the unit rent is controlled. Learn more about the program here.

To date, the program has awarded more than $8 million and made more than 4,500 rental payments for Maryland’s working families.

Moratorium on Evictions During State of Emergency. On March 16, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can demonstrate that their inability to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. The order remains in effect during the state of emergency.

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Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) Recognized With National Award of Excellence

October 29, 2020 by tdewling

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) Recognized With National Award of Excellence

MMP’s Product Diversification Empowers New Buyers

New Carrollton, MD (October 29, 2020) — The National Council of State Housing Agencies has announced the Maryland Mortgage Program as the winner in the category of Homeownership: Empowering New Buyers at its Annual Awards for Program Excellence. The state housing program was honored for its diverse array of loan products and down payment assistance. These initiatives have empowered homebuyers in Maryland, particularly first-time homebuyers, and led to more than $1 billion in Maryland Mortgage Program loan reservations in 2019.

The Maryland Mortgage Program has been the state’s flagship homeownership program for nearly 40 years. The program offers a wide range of home loan products that have been specially tailored to help make homeownership affordable in Maryland. Whether you’re looking for extremely low interest rates (as low as 2.125% this fall), downpayment and closing cost assistance up to $9,500, or even student debt relief, MMP provides a diverse product matrix that is designed to help Marylanders get into a house at an affordable price.

The Maryland Mortgage Program’s product diversification and expansion was a significant factor in a recent performance milestone. In Calendar Year 2019, the program reserved approximately 4,300 loans totaling $1,189,684,291 – the first time annual reservations exceeded $1 billion. The program’s strong performance positively impacted the department’s bond issuances and sales and recently led to an upgrade of the department’s housing finance bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service – the first such upgrade in 40 years.

In effectively doubling the amount of home loans, the Maryland Mortgage Program proved its new product matrix is extremely attractive to Maryland homebuyers. On behalf of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Mortgage Program would like to extend a thank you to our amazing professional partners. This great success was a result of an extremely effective network of professional partners. Together, we’re building Maryland communities.

For more information about the Maryland Mortgage Program, visit mmp.maryland.gov.