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Advocates urge restoration of eviction‑prevention funds as DHCD defends FY26 priorities including Empower Maryland and broadband work
Summary
Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day defended fiscal 2026 priorities including housing, energy‑efficiency programs and broadband, while multiple nonprofit and local leaders urged restoration of $5 million in less‑restricted eviction prevention funds cut from the DHCD proposed budget.
Advocates representing renters, social‑service agencies and local governments urged the Health and Social Services Subcommittee to restore a $5 million cut to eviction prevention (emergency rental assistance) during testimony on the Department of Housing and Community Development’s fiscal 2026 operating budget. DHCD officials described the department’s budget priorities and recommended a new statutory position tied to a 2024 law.
DLS analyst Scott Benson opened the DHCD presentation by noting the fiscal 2026 operating allowance rises $42.0 million, or 8.1%, to $558.6 million. "Special funds increased by $24.7 million in the fiscal 26 allowance or 18.8% compared to fiscal 25," Benson said, and flagged major components including rental services, energy programs and large volumes of non‑budgeted capital and bond resources used by DHCD programs.
Secretary Jake Day said the department is operating amid both structural fiscal constraints and federal uncertainty and defended the agency’s request. He noted a new position required by House Bill 538…
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