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 contribute to 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.
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IT'S A FACT!
65% of working-age renters lack sufficient residual income for daily necessities after housing costs.
Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University; June 2025
EVENTS:
October
October
6: County Council Legislative Session
8: Coalition ADU Webinar, Registration is here
18: Planning Board
ADU Webinar: Oct 8
Please join us at 7pm for a timely webinar exploring proposed updates to Howard County’s zoning regulations that would expand opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Staff members from the Dept. of Planning and Zoning will explain a proposed zoning amendment to allow detached ADUs — such as in-law suites, garage apartments, and backyard cottages — in nearly all residential zoning districts. The amendment would remove restrictive lot size and bedroom limits, allow ADUs to be detached or attached, remove the ownership requirement, and align zoning regulations with the County’s General Plan, Housing Opportunities Master Plan, and Maryland’s new ADU law (HB-1466).
Whether you're a homeowner, housing advocate, or other interested County resident, this session will unpack how ADUs can support affordability, aging in place, and inclusive neighborhood design.
Gov. Wes Moore Signs "Housing Starts Here" Executive Order
Gov. Wes Moore stood alongside advocates, elected officials, and community members as he signed his new executive order: Housing Starts Here.
The order sets the stage for faster housing development across Maryland—streamlining permitting, unlocking state-owned land for transit-oriented projects, and encouraging local communities to meet housing production targets. The action is another step toward addressing the state's housing shortage (96,000 homes) and making affordability a reality for more Marylanders.
Watch a portion of his remarks.
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.
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