The Coalition's goal is to achieve community understanding, policy making and regulatory decisions that will lead to an increase in and equitable access to Howard County affordable housing. We seek to create a community-wide recognition that Howard County's economic vitality is dependent upon access to jobs, housing that individuals and families can afford, a quality educational system, and resident mobility.
Action Alert!
The County Council will hold its first public hearing about HoCo by Design on June 14 at 7 pm. This hearing will be the first (and perhaps best) chance to influence how the Council will vote on housing-related policies later this year.
The Council's vote could mean real solutions to the housing crisis that now affects so many in our community, including seniors, young adults, people with disabilities, and essential members of our workforce. Or, their vote could result in a perpetuation of the crisis.
Actions You Can Take Now:
Petition: Sign our petition to the County Council: HoCo by Design Must Address Our Housing Crisis by June 13. The petition will be submitted at the June 14 public hearing on HoCo by Design. Sign the petition now!
Testify in person or by email: Share your housing experience and why affordable housing is essential by testifying at the County Council meeting on June 14 or by submitting an email to the council. Sign up to testify at the council meeting here or send an email to the county council here.
Attend a Coaching Session: Receive guidance crafting your verbal or written testimony for the council meeting with a virtual coaching session with Rashel Taylor on Tuesday, June 6 from 7-8 pm. At the coaching session you will receive guidance developing your story's structure or talking points and we will answer any questions you have about testifying. Sign up to attend coaching here.
Rally for Affordable Housing: Show your support for affordable housing at our rally on Wednesday, June 14 starting at 6:15pm, at 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. After the rally we will go inside to attend the public County Council hearing on HoCo by Design. Bring your own sign or borrow one of ours! Learn more and tell us you are coming on Eventbrite. Sign up to attend the rally here.
Updates and News
Coalition Submits HoCo By Design Draft Report Comments
Calls for
increased housing targets
Modification of proposed Land Use Map
Gateway targets and master plan acceleration
Further development of proposed Focus Areas
County Planning Board
Supports
Coalition Ho Co By Design Stance
2,000 housing allocation
500 new affordable housing units
Coalition Testimony
Supporting Petition
From the Coalition's Social Media Postings
Join the Coalition
Help shape the present and future of housing in Howard County.
We welcome organizations and individuals to join the Coalition. Members receive regular policy and legislative updates on matters that impact affordable housing, and are encouraged to attend Coalition meetings. Members also receive calls to action that can include writing letters, testifying at meetings, supporting in-person events, or providing education to the public.
Membership is free. Coalition members are published on this website and made available in conjunction with public Coalition statements as appropriate.
To join the Howard County Housing Affordability Coalition, please complete the membership sign-up form.