County housing budget allocates $12M for affordable housing development initiatives

The Anne Arundel County Council convened on May 12, 2025, for a budget meeting focused on housing and community development initiatives. The session highlighted significant funding allocations and ongoing projects aimed at addressing the county's housing challenges.

The meeting commenced with a presentation from the Department of Housing and Community Development, detailing the administration of federal, county, and state funds. The department oversees various housing programs, including the Community Services Fund, which is set to receive over $8 million in federal funds primarily from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The presentation noted that final funding numbers from HUD are anticipated soon, with hopes for level funding despite potential federal budget cuts.

A key focus was the Housing Trust Fund, which has seen a budget increase to nearly $12 million. This fund has successfully committed over $15 million to affordable housing projects in the past two years, with several new developments in the pipeline. Notable projects include affordable rental housing initiatives in Odenton, Brooklyn Park, and Millersville. The department also reported on eviction prevention efforts, stating that while the program has been scaled back since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to play a crucial role in mitigating evictions.

The council discussed the impact of the Housing Attainability Act, which aims to enhance affordable homeownership opportunities. The department is collaborating with nonprofit developers, including Habitat for Humanity, to create affordable housing units. Additionally, the presentation covered the administration of community reinvestment funds derived from adult recreational cannabis use, with a significant number of applications already submitted for funding.

Council members raised questions regarding the ongoing housing shortage in the county, with estimates suggesting a deficit of around 12,000 housing units. The department acknowledged the need for updated assessments to better understand the current housing landscape and vacancy rates.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of continued funding and support for housing initiatives, emphasizing the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to address the county's housing crisis effectively. The council expressed commitment to monitoring developments and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the community's needs.