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Governor Moore and Allies Seek Objectivity, Speed in Permitting to Boost Housing; Counties and Municipalities Seek Carve‑outs
Summary
The governor and administration backed HB 503, the Housing for Jobs Act, proposing objective standards and a default bias‑to‑yes in job‑heavy areas to speed housing approvals and address a statewide housing shortfall.
Governor Wes Moore opened testimony on House Bill 503 — the Housing for Jobs Act — describing it as a targeted effort to “cut the red tape for housing production in communities with a high availability of jobs and a low availability of housing.” The administration asked the committee to adopt objective standards and predictable rules so jurisdictions will implement their existing comprehensive plans.
The nut graf: The administration argued unpredictability and subjective local processes have discouraged developers, delayed projects for years and reduced housing production; supporters said the bill fosters predictability and unlocks housing near jobs and transit. County and municipal groups urged amendments to avoid litigation traps and preserve local flexibility in limited circumstances.
Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day said objective standards raise production by an estimated 33% and cited other states (New…
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