MISSION/PURPOSE:

The Department of Housing and Community Development strengthens communities through innovative programs, services and partnerships to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities for all. 

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More From The Department

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Rental Assistance Program for Older Adult Households

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HCD Advisory Board

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The Department of Housing & Community Development Board - Members and Meeting information

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Foreclosure Prevention Program

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The Department received $1M in funding from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund for FY2025. These funds will be used to stabilize qualified residents whose homes are facing foreclosure.

**Effective February 7, 2025 – In response to announcements regarding federal workers, the household income limits have been increased to 100% AMI. Households may apply for assistance when payments are 2 months behind and receive up to 6 months of assistance. Terms and conditions are subject to change.  

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I'm A Developer or Builder

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All new construction must designate a specified percentage of units as MIHU.  Developers, as you work with the Department of Planning & Zoning you should review this information.

Additionally, requests for APFO waivers begin here.

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I'm A Non-Profit

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The Department receives funding primarily from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administers those grants to non-profits who work directly with residents of Howard County.  The County receives Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds from HUD and most recently funds from the U.S. Treasury Department.

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Columbia Downtown Housing Corp

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Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation - Members, Meetings and New Cultural Center information

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Acquisitions and Rental Housing Sales

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Effective September 6, 2020, before you sell your multi-family rental property you must notify this Department and the Howard County Housing Commission.  Additionally if you are purchasing an existing multi-family property, you could be eligible for a PILOT.

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Housing Opportunities Trust Fund

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The Housing Opportunities Trust Fund will be an important tool to address the critical housing infrastructure needs facing Howard County.

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Housing Opportunities Master Plan & Task Force

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HOMP meetings and the Plan.

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Publications and Reports

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The Department's monthly reports and general documents can be found here.  For any documents prior to 2021, please send a request to housing@howardcountymd.gov

News

Find the latest news updates.

News

Senior Team

Portrait of Kelly Cimino
Kelly A. Cimino
Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development
Read Biography

About

Kelly Cimino was appointed to serve as Director of the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development in August 2016. Under Kelly’s leadership, the Department supports the creation and preservation of affordable rental and homeownership units, including workforce housing units, offers financial education resources for residents and leads the work of the County’s 5-year Plan to End Homelessness, The Path Toward Zero. The Department administers federal CDBG, HOME and CoC program funding to assist low-income residents access and maintain safe and stable housing and manages the County’s affordable housing programs to assist low- and moderate-income households that want to rent, buy or renovate a home in the County. Kelly attended Howard County Public Schools and graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Business Administration. Prior to joining the housing department in 2008, Kelly worked in the mortgage lending industry for 23 years. Kelly currently serves on the executive committees of the County’s Coalition to End Homelessness Board and the Local Children’s Board.

Quanita Kareem, Compliance Officer DHCD
Quanita Kareem
Chief, Compliance Division
Brittani Perdue, Chief Housing Opportunities Programs
Brittani Perdue
Chief, Housing Opportunities Programs Division
Catherine Wellman
Catherine Wellman
Chief, Homeless Services Division
Kim Zanti
Kimberley Zanti
Chief, Community Planning & Grants Division
Kanise Lewis
Kanise Lewis
Administrative Assistant

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