Currently, Maryland is facing an affordable housing crisis. With a shortage of an estimated 96,000 housing units across the state, Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order to increase the mass-production of affordable homes for growing families across Maryland. This initiative, dubbed “Housing Starts Here,” is one of the most aggressive efforts in recent history to be signed in order to combat housing and affordability challenges.
The crisis scope
According to a report from the University of Maryland, the state has been underproducing housing by an estimated 5,600 units annually. This shortage is increasing competition which is driving up rent and home prices, leaving residents of the state stranded for options.
The problem is fundamentally about affordability. As demand increases and housing options remain limited, more people are struggling to find stable housing, whether they’re trying to support a family or start out on their own. Longtime residents are being outbid, in part due to the government’s delayed response to this growing crisis. Projections show that Maryland will need 600,000 new housing units by 2045 to keep pace with proper development. Without major action now, residents will only find themselves struggling even more.
Executive order broken down
Governor Moore’s executive order introduces a five-part strategy aimed at tackling Maryland’s housing crisis. The plan focuses on breaking down barriers that have stalled housing development and, in turn, limited opportunities for residents. First, the order opens up state-owned land for development, particularly near major job centers. Agencies such as the Department of Housing and Community Development are tasked with identifying properties suitable for transit-oriented development, increasing access to jobs and reducing overall development costs—which could help lower housing prices naturally.
Second, the order calls for comprehensive permitting reform. Currently, the permitting process is often slow and overly complex, sometimes taking years. The goal with this order is to modernize the system by allowing more reviewers alongside digital applications which would reduce delays and bring the ideas to the table quicker. Third, a new role, Housing Ombudsman, will be created to serve as a liaison, helping to keep housing projects on track and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Local jurisdictions are now also required to work with the state to help establish housing targets. These goals must be submitted by early 2026 and will be updated every five years to measure progress and ensure accountability. The order incentivizes pro-housing policies over pro-corporate interests. Jurisdictions that meet or exceed their housing targets will be eligible for awards and receive additional points when applying for state funding, encouraging more housing construction across the state.
Promising start but not finished
The executive order comes with solutions for issues and seems as if it will help many out in the community by helping ease this housing crisis, but as with anything policy doesn’t mean anything without action. As Maryland begins implementing “Housing Starts Here,” all eyes will be on whether Moore can turn policy into progress.
