By WEAA News Staff
Governor Wes Moore has approved a new affordable housing plan that will guide more than $300 million in investments across Maryland.
Moore approved the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan, which allocates state funding and federal tax credits for affordable housing projects. The plan aims to incentivize project readiness, increase federal tax credit amounts per project, expand loan products and place greater emphasis on mixed-income housing.
"Like every state in the nation, Maryland is facing a housing availability and affordability crisis that impacts Marylanders' ability to access work, wages, and wealth," Moore said. "In order to lower costs for Marylanders, we must leverage our tools to expand housing options, offer incentives for building housing quickly, and support the creation of dignified, quality housing across the state."
Under the new plan, two application rounds for nine percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits will open in July and October 2026. The competitive tax credit award limit per project has been increased to $2 million.
The plan includes a Housing Starts Now incentive that awards more points to developments already cleared for construction, and new Lovable Places criteria that rewards projects incorporating community amenities such as childcare centers, libraries or fresh food retail space.
The department will also expand its loan products to offer lower interest rates and greater flexibility to meet a broader range of housing development needs.
"In Maryland, we believe housing is the foundation on which we build everything else — and we believe that housing should be affordable, high-quality, energy-efficient, and lovable," said Housing Secretary Jake Day. "The 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan sets that standard and creates the framework for future affordable housing development in Maryland."
This story was produced with AI assistance and edited by WEAA News Staff.