Queen Anne's County Housing Authority outlines 2025 five-year housing plan

The Queen Anne's County Housing Authority meeting held on May 5, 2025, focused on critical housing initiatives and the development of a new five-year plan aimed at addressing the needs of low-income families in the area. The meeting highlighted the importance of community input and strategic planning to enhance housing availability and affordability.

A significant topic discussed was the requirement for the Housing Authority to submit a five-year plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This plan outlines the Authority's goals and strategies for meeting the housing needs of low, very low, and extremely low-income families. The current plan, due for submission, was developed with input from board members and staff during a recent retreat. It includes goals to improve existing developments, expand housing availability through partnerships, and strengthen the housing choice voucher program.

The meeting also addressed the need for public engagement, with plans for a public hearing to gather community feedback before finalizing the plan. The Authority aims to enhance resident engagement and gather structured feedback from voucher recipients to ensure a comprehensive approach to housing needs.

In addition to the five-year plan, discussions included ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing in Queen Anne's County. The Authority acknowledged the challenges in defining affordable housing and emphasized its commitment to supporting residents who struggle to afford rent. Kelly Huber, a housing program administrator, provided insights into current programs aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers and promoting workforce housing.

The meeting underscored the Housing Authority's dedication to addressing housing challenges in Queen Anne's County and the importance of collaboration with community members and stakeholders to achieve these goals. The finalized five-year plan will be submitted to HUD following the public hearing, marking a significant step in the Authority's efforts to enhance housing opportunities in the region.