(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 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.
Maryland Legal Code