Maryland Governor Proposes Legislation to Boost Housing Growth and Affordability

Governor Wes Moore has announced a comprehensive housing growth and affordability agenda slated for the 2026 legislative session, aiming to dismantle barriers to housing construction and affordability across Maryland. This initiative includes three key pieces of legislation designed to accelerate development, particularly in areas surrounding transit stations, thereby fostering economic growth and encouraging public transit use. The proposals are intended to make it easier for Marylanders to find affordable places to live, which the Governor described as a significant obstacle to success and residents choosing to remain in the state.

A cornerstone of the agenda is the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026. This legislation seeks to reform zoning regulations and financing mechanisms to facilitate the creation of more jobs and housing in proximity to transit hubs. It proposes eliminating minimum parking requirements for certain transit-oriented developments, promoting mixed-use projects near key stations, and granting the state more oversight over land development adjacent to transit facilities. The bill also aims to enhance financial incentives for projects situated near high-quality transit corridors. The Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act is expected to open up over 300 acres of state-owned land near existing transit stations for development, potentially leading to more than 7,000 new housing units and generating an estimated $1.4 billion in tax revenue for the state and its local communities. This strategic use of state-owned land is designed to maximize the return on the state’s significant transit investments by expediting the development process, stimulating economic activity, increasing housing supply, and boosting transit ridership.

In addition to the transit-focused legislation, Governor Moore highlighted two other significant bills. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 is designed to broaden housing options by permitting the construction of smaller, more affordable homes. This act would allow for the development of smaller single-family homes on reduced lot sizes and the inclusion of townhouses in residential zones statewide. The objective is to offer housing options that are up to 30% less expensive than current market offerings, thereby making homeownership accessible to a larger segment of the Maryland population, including young families and seniors who may be priced out of the market due to rising home prices and interest rates.

The third key component of the agenda is the Housing Certainty Act of 2026, sponsored by Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Dylan Behler. This legislation aims to tackle regulatory uncertainties, lengthy delays, and impact fees that contribute to inflated housing costs and hinder the progress of crucial development projects. The Housing Certainty Act is intended to ensure that once a housing project receives approval, the terms and conditions remain stable, preventing unforeseen changes that can disrupt development and ultimately lead to higher costs for consumers. By providing regulatory predictability and streamlining the fee collection process, the bill seeks to expedite the construction of housing, thereby addressing the state’s housing shortage and improving affordability for Maryland residents. The Moore-Miller Administration plans to collaborate with the Maryland General Assembly and local stakeholders to implement these legislative measures, building upon the foundation laid by the Governor’s Housing Starts Here Executive Order. These combined efforts are expected to revitalize areas around transit, leverage state land for economic development and housing, and create more diverse housing opportunities for Marylanders.

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

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