Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Boost Housing Production and Affordability in Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order aimed at increasing the state’s housing supply and making homes more affordable for residents. The order, named “Housing Starts Here,” seeks to address the state’s significant housing shortage, estimated at 96,000 units, by streamlining development processes and utilizing state-owned land more effectively. This initiative is designed to expedite the construction of new homes and reduce lengthy permitting timelines.

The executive order directs several state agencies to collaborate on identifying suitable state-owned properties for transit-oriented development, which could lead to increased housing options for Maryland families. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Department of General Services will be instrumental in this process. Furthermore, the order promotes government efficiency by aiming to shorten state permitting timelines, thereby getting more homes to market at a faster pace and enhancing the transparency of housing production across different jurisdictions.

A key component of the new directive is the establishment of a state housing ombudsman. This individual will serve as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between the Department of Housing and Community Development, other state agencies, local governments, developers, and community stakeholders. The ombudsman’s role will be to assist in the permitting process, ensuring that development projects proceed without undue delays. In an effort to foster accountability and encourage progress, the order also mandates that the Department of Housing and Community Development work with local jurisdictions to establish housing production targets. These targets, set for the state, each county, and municipalities with planning and zoning authority, are scheduled to be published in January 2026 and will be reviewed and updated every five years.

To incentivize jurisdictions to meet these housing development goals, the executive order introduces the annual Maryland Housing Leadership Awards. Local governments that demonstrate significant progress in their housing development targets will be recognized through these awards. Importantly, receiving an award will grant these jurisdictions bonus points, increasing their competitiveness when applying for funding programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This measure is intended to encourage local action and reward proactive approaches to housing development.

This executive order builds upon the Moore-Miller Administration’s previous efforts to tackle housing challenges. In 2024, the administration advanced a legislative housing package designed to enhance housing affordability and accessibility. This package included measures to remove barriers to housing construction, strengthen state financing tools for development projects, and create the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to better support renters. Additionally, the governor recently announced $50 million in grant awards specifically for vacant property reduction initiatives in Baltimore City, through programs like the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative and Reinvest Baltimore. The Reinvest Baltimore initiative, established by the governor in 2024, prioritizes swift and large-scale vacancy reduction, with a goal of moving at least 5,000 vacant properties in Baltimore City into homeownership or other productive uses by Fiscal Year 2029. These combined efforts underscore a comprehensive strategy to address housing needs across Maryland.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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