Maryland § 4-1803

§ 4-1803.

    (a)    A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:

        (1)    the local government has:

            (i)    a 5–year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or

            (ii)    a comprehensive plan;

        (2)    the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:

            (i)    have a workforce housing element;

            (ii)    assess workforce housing needs; and

            (iii)    contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and

        (3)    the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:

            (i)    a desire to participate in the Program; and

            (ii)    a reasonable expectation of the local government’s ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4–1804 of this subtitle.

    (b)    The workforce housing element in the 5–year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:

        (1)    preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;

        (2)    redevelopment of existing residential areas;

        (3)    streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;

        (4)    financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;

        (5)    special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;

        (6)    efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first–time homebuyers and renters;

        (7)    coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;

        (8)    coordination with private sector employers; and

        (9)    leveraging of federal financial assistance.