Hagerstown town hall draws landlords, tenants and advocates as council seeks feedback on rent stabilization

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Hagerstown City Council convened a public town-hall session to hear community views on possible rent-stabilization measures, drawing a mix of landlords, tenants, advocates and council members who presented starkly different assessments of risks and benefits.

The meeting, framed by Councilwoman Tia Burnett as an opportunity to "hear from the people about what's going on with our rent and housing," included presentations on recent Maryland law changes and 27 three‑minute public comments. Staff reminded attendees written comments would be accepted through Feb. 19 and said the council will hold a public work session to review the feedback.

Why it matters: Speakers said the choice could affect housing affordability, investment and housing supply in Hagerstown. Landlords told the council that rising property taxes, insurance and utility costs threaten small owners' ability to maintain rental housing. Tenants, veterans' advocates and the Washington County NAACP said caps and stronger eviction protections are needed to prevent displacement of low‑income and vulnerable residents.

Landlords and property managers told the council…