Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has signed an executive order designed to increase housing production by using state-owned land for efficient development while reducing state permitting timelines for new construction.
Moore’s “Housing Starts Here” executive order directs three state agencies – the Departments of Housing and Community Development, Transportation, and General Services – to identify specific state-owned properties for transit-oriented development while creating a new office of a housing ombudsman to act as a liaison between state and local government agencies and developers to assist in the permitting process. Housing production targets for the state, each county, and each municipality with planning/zoning authority are to be published starting in January 2026 and updated every five years.
The governor also established an annual Maryland Housing Leadership Awards to recognize jurisdictions that make progress on their housing development goals. The awards will provide bonus points to localities that increase their competitiveness when applying for funding programs through the Department of Housing and Community Development.
“When we talk about housing that’s more affordable, we’re not just talking about building shelter; we’re talking about building a legacy,” said Moore. “That’s why we need to move faster to build new homes, move faster to make housing more affordable, and move faster to create a housing market that is more competitive. That’s the vision of this executive order, and our success will be felt for generations to come.”
I am a Realtor, how may I assist?
Excuse me but what is “efficient development” and “transit-oriented development”? Its fine to locate unused or under used plots of land but usually a “highest & best use” analysis is prudent. If the parcels have zoning that precludes housing development then what process are they going to use to “rezone” those parcels. The public has a right to knowing what is being built in their neighborhoods and especially if it is not according to current zoning laws. If this Democrat Governor thinks that he and his staff can override zoning laws and just change them at will then we have serious governmental power problems. I’m for new construction in struggling urban areas to a degree. If the free market isn’t stepping up and doing the developments or fill in single family housing then what kind of “public incentive” will be offered to make these investments attractive?