Scott Gottbreht

The DRAFT Annual Action Plan for the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development guides the use of federal funding from HUD to address housing, community development, homelessness, and economic development needs for low-income residents and communities. The plan focuses on seven primary goals: promoting attainable and accessible rental housing, ensuring sustainable and quality housing for homeowners, preventing homelessness, developing supportive housing, improving viable infrastructure and public facilities, supporting accessible public services, and increasing local planning and capacity building. It also incorporates three overarching priorities: repairing past damage and promoting investment in historically underserved communities, addressing environmental impacts, and promoting accessible rental and homeowner housing opportunities near transit.

The council discussed the monthly production report, focusing on demolition timelines, the status of Maryland Stadium Authority demolition projects, and the expansion of the in rem pipeline. Progress on the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Investment program was reviewed, including disbursement updates to community development organizations, permitting system tracking, and the status of the support fund. Additionally, the council addressed the impact of institutional investors in housing, potential policy solutions for property ownership issues, updates from various working groups, and held a closed session to discuss real property acquisitions and confidential commercial information.

This National Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan details how the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will administer $3,000,000 in federal funds for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026). The plan outlines policies for the use of Housing Trust Funds, prioritizing the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for Extremely Low Income (ELI) households. Key priorities include family housing in communities of opportunity, housing in community revitalization areas, integrated supportive housing for persons with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness (including veterans), preservation of existing affordable housing, and elderly housing. The document also specifies general requirements, eligibility criteria, priority factors, and additional program requirements for affirmative fair housing and tenant selection.

The Reinvest Baltimore Action Plan details the implementation strategies for the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI). The plan focuses on two primary strategic areas: Vacancy Reduction, achieved through property acquisition, donation programs, and enhanced city staffing for property processing; and Capacity for Action, which involves providing technical assistance and fostering collaboration among Community Development Organizations (CDOs) to develop comprehensive whole block projects. The plan outlines funding mechanisms, disbursement reports, and specific actions with defined timelines to expedite the revitalization of vacant properties and strengthen organizational capabilities within the community.

The meeting featured the introduction of the new acting housing commissioner, Tim Keene, who discussed his vision for urban planning and revitalization efforts. The committee members provided brief introductions, and the commissioner emphasized the importance of targeted development strategies, data-driven decision-making, and fostering deep partnerships with community development organizations, private builders, and the philanthropic community to accelerate neighborhood recovery and vacant property reinvestment.