Housing and Community Development - Expansion of Affordable Housing - County Grants
Impact
If enacted, HB 983 would significantly impact how counties in Maryland can respond to housing demands. The funds allocated through this bill would facilitate the expansion and enhancement of housing initiatives, allowing for more comprehensive assistance to various demographic groups. Counties would be able to utilize these funds to support a broad array of programs, including down payment assistance and other human support resources, aimed at increasing housing affordability in targeted regions.
Summary
House Bill 983 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Maryland by providing financial assistance to counties. The bill mandates the Department of Housing and Community Development to allocate one-time grants specifically for counties identified as having the highest cost of living. This financial support, amounting to $60 million for the fiscal year 2024, is intended to enable counties to expand existing housing programs and initiate new projects to build affordable housing for low and moderate-income households.
Contention
Notably, the bill requires counties to submit a report on the utilization and anticipated impacts of the allocated funds by December 1, 2024, promoting accountability for the grants provided. This stipulation is crucial as it ensures transparency regarding how the funds are being used to address local housing challenges, which may strengthen community trust in state-level interventions. However, it could also raise concerns regarding the effectiveness and execution of the programs funded under this legislation, warranting continuous oversight and evaluation.