End of Session Update for District 16
Last month, I shared an overview of major housing proposals under consideration in Annapolis. Now that the legislative session has ended, I want to provide a brief update on where things stand and what it means for District 16.
Housing remains one of the most urgent and complex issues we face.
Of the three major bills in the Governor’s housing package:
- The Silver and Starter Homes Act (HB 239) did not move forward this session. This appears to be in response to strong feedback from residents across District 16 and Montgomery County. Many raised concerns about a one-size-fits-all approach to zoning and the potential impact on neighborhoods. I appreciate the Governor’s leadership in elevating housing as a top priority, and it remains clear that we must increase housing supply, while also ensuring these solutions are implemented in ways that incorporate local input and prepare communities to support that growth.
- The Maryland Housing Certainty Act (HB 548) passed both chambers and has been sent to the Governor’s desk. The bill creates a more predictable review process by allowing housing projects to move forward under the rules in place at the time of application, even if regulations change later, and shifts certain development fees to be collected closer to project completion.
- The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act (HB 894) passed both chambers. The bill promotes housing development near transit, with a focus on increasing supply in areas already supported by existing infrastructure. Transit-oriented development (TOD) encourages greater use of public transportation and has proven effective in reducing traffic congestion, an approach already underway in District 16 that could serve as a model for the rest of the state. The most significant change in the final version of the bill was the removal of Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements. These provisions would have required non-union contractors to comply with certain standards typically applied to union firms. The House initially approved a version that included PLA requirements, while the Senate passed a version without them. In the end, the House adopted the Senate’s approach, and the bill was enacted without the PLA provisions.
Finally, I also want to acknowledge concerns I have been hearing from residents in older high-rise condominium communities about rising electricity costs and the impact of Building Energy Performance Standards. Many are asking important questions about cost, timelines, and the feasibility of implementation.
I firmly believe we must do what is in our power to preserve our environment and reduce emissions in the fight against climate change. At the same time, we have to acknowledge that there are many older buildings in our community for which attainment of the performance standards is physically and/or financially not feasible. As with other programs, one size does not fit all, and we need to ensure these policies are effective and workable in practice.
As always, if you have thoughts or questions, please reach out to me at tazeen@tazeenformaryland.com.
With heart and purpose,
Tazeen Ahmad
Candidate for Delegate
Leading with Heart, Delivering with Purpose