St Mary's County task force tackles affordable housing crisis for local workforce

In a recent meeting of the St. Mary's County Commissioners, significant discussions centered around the pressing issue of affordable housing in the region. The meeting highlighted the findings of a community task force that was formed to address the growing concerns regarding housing costs and their impact on the local workforce.

The task force, initially comprised of six members and later expanded, was established in response to feedback from various community stakeholders, including employers and educators. A key concern raised was that the rising cost of housing is hindering the county's ability to attract and retain essential workers, particularly teachers and public safety personnel. The task force emphasized that without affordable housing options, the county risks losing potential employees who may be willing to relocate but cannot find suitable housing.

After a year of research and education on workforce housing issues, the task force concluded that families earning the county's median income can no longer afford the median-priced home in St. Mary's County. The median home price has surged from approximately $217,000 in 2003 to around $337,500 in 2007, representing a significant increase that has outpaced income growth. This trend has left about 61% of the county's residents unable to afford the median home price, highlighting a critical gap in the housing market.

The task force defined "workforce housing" as housing affordable to families earning between 45% and 110% of the median income, which is approximately $75,000 for a household in St. Mary's County. They identified that only about 200 homes on the market were affordable for families within this income range, further underscoring the scarcity of suitable housing options.

To address these challenges, the task force proposed four key objectives: preserving existing affordable neighborhoods, creating new workforce housing, increasing community awareness about housing opportunities, and establishing a sustainable funding source for these initiatives. The preservation of traditional neighborhoods was particularly emphasized, as these areas often contain older homes that are more affordable compared to new constructions.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the county to prioritize affordable housing initiatives, recognizing that the lack of affordable options poses a significant barrier to the community's growth and stability. As the county prepares for budget discussions, the task force's recommendations will be crucial in shaping future housing policies and ensuring that St. Mary's County remains an attractive place for families and workers alike.