Maryland, January 8, 2026

Governor Wes Moore has unveiled a bold housing agenda aimed at addressing Maryland’s significant housing crisis, which sees a deficit of 96,000 units. The proposed legislative framework includes three key bills: the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act, the Starter and Silver Homes Act, and the Housing Certainty Act. These initiatives focus on increasing housing availability and affordability through deregulation, innovative development strategies, and private investment stimulation, ultimately aiming to alleviate the financial pressures faced by middle-class families and seniors in the state.

Governor Moore’s Bold Housing Agenda Aims to Transform Maryland

New legislative proposals seek to tackle housing affordability and shortages in the state

ANNAPOLIS, MD — In a significant push to enhance housing availability and affordability, Governor Wes Moore has introduced a comprehensive housing growth agenda set to be presented during the 2026 legislative session. This initiative arises against the backdrop of a growing housing crisis within Maryland, characterized by a notable 96,000-unit deficit. By focusing on deregulation and innovative housing solutions, the Governor seeks to empower Maryland’s entrepreneurs and communities, potentially stimulating economic growth across the state.

The urgency of this agenda is underscored by the increasing strain on middle-class families and seniors, who often feel the burdens of rising housing costs. The proposed legislation is designed not only to alleviate these pressures but also to catalyze private investment in housing projects, driving job creation and encouraging local resilience and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Key Legislative Proposals

The proposed housing agenda consists of three critical bills aimed at transforming Maryland’s housing landscape:

Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026

This act focuses on eliminating minimum parking requirements near high-quality transit locations and promoting mixed-use developments. By unlocking over 300 acres of state-owned land, this initiative has the potential to create more than 7,000 housing units and generate approximately $1.4 billion in tax revenue, maximizing community and economic benefits in urban areas.

Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026

The second piece of legislation permits smaller single-family homes and townhouses to be constructed in residential areas statewide. This strategy aims to provide affordable housing options tailored to young families and seniors, with homes that could be up to 30% less expensive than traditional new constructions. Such moves can enhance community diversity while simultaneously catering to the needs of an evolving population.

Housing Certainty Act of 2026

This measure targets the regulatory complexity that often delays housing projects and increases costs. By streamlining the approval process and ensuring that project rules are stable post-approval, the Housing Certainty Act is designed to mitigate barriers that hinder effective property development and promote quicker construction timelines.

Background and Context

Maryland’s significant housing shortage is an urgent issue impacting the state’s economic vitality. Governor Moore’s administration has previously initiated efforts to address this challenge, notably through an executive order aimed at expediting housing production. The latest legislative proposals build upon these commitments, focusing on transit-oriented developments, enhancing housing density, and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. This holistic approach seeks to accelerate housing availability while potentially generating substantial tax revenues to finance public services.

Next Steps

The comprehensive housing proposal awaits the Maryland General Assembly’s review, with the legislative session commencing on January 14, 2026. Governor Moore, alongside his administration, is keen to engage with lawmakers and local stakeholders to smooth the path for these initiatives and effectively address the pressing housing challenges faced by Maryland residents.

Conclusion

As Maryland confronts a decisive moment in addressing its housing crisis, Governor Moore’s legislative agenda holds promise for fostering a more affordable and accessible housing market. The proposed innovations in transit-oriented development and streamlined regulatory processes signal a robust strategy for enhancing economic growth and community resilience. Marylanders are encouraged to stay informed and actively engage with local business initiatives, as these changes could significantly benefit the state’s economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026?

This legislation aims to eliminate minimum parking requirements near high-quality transit locations, promote mixed-use developments around key stations, and grant the state greater authority over land adjacent to transit stations. The initiative seeks to unlock over 300 acres of state-owned land, potentially creating more than 7,000 housing units and generating approximately $1.4 billion in tax revenue.

What does the Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 propose?

This bill proposes allowing smaller single-family homes on smaller lots and townhouses in residential areas statewide. The goal is to provide more affordable housing options for young families and seniors, with homes potentially up to 30% less expensive than typical new constructions.

What is the Housing Certainty Act of 2026?

This measure aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty, delays, and impact fees that contribute to higher housing costs. It seeks to streamline the approval process for housing projects, ensuring that once a project is approved, the rules cannot change, thereby preventing cost increases and project cancellations.

When does the Maryland General Assembly session begin?

The upcoming legislative session is set to begin on January 14, 2026.

How does this agenda address Maryland’s housing shortage?

The proposed legislation focuses on transit-oriented development, increasing housing density, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles to accelerate housing availability across the state, aiming to address the estimated 96,000-unit housing deficit in Maryland.

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