Community Planning & Grants

The Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development has determined that it is necessary to revise the approved use(s) under the grant awarded by the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for a rental assistance program due to the coronavirus.  As other sources have been identified for this use, the CDBG funding can be used for other needs in conformance with program regulations.

In accordance with our CDBG Citizen Participation Plan, we are seeking public comment on our plan to divert funding from rental assistance activities to the following activity:

Community Action Council (CAC), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, will use CDBG funding to provide short-term mortgage payments up to 6-months for low- and moderate-income Howard County residents that have had COVID-19 related job loss resulting in the household’s inability to pay their mortgage.  Award Amount - $300,000.00

Howard County has amended our Citizen Participation Plan to allow for virtual public hearings and a 5-day Public Comment Period. On April 23, 2020, the County submitted a Waiver Letter to HUD requesting the use of those waivers allowing for the virtual town hall meetings and the 5-day public comment period.

All comments must be received by May 25, 2021 at 11:59.99 PM. Written comments must be directed to Kelly Cimino, Director, Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development or to Elizabeth Meadows, Chief, Community Planning and Grants, at the Department of Housing & Community Development at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD 21046. Comments can also be provided by email, either to Kelly Cimino at [email protected] or to Elizabeth Meadows at [email protected]. 

In accordance with federal requirements for jurisdictions receiving funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing and community development programs, Howard County has prepared its FFY2021 Annual Action Plan in accordance with its five-year Consolidated Plan for FFY2020-2024.  This Action Plan outlines how the County will use federal resources to address the current housing and community development needs of our low to moderate income population, while remaining aligned with the goals outlined in our Consolidated Plan.

• The Draft FFY2021 Annual Action Plan

To complete the CDBG and HOME program year, the County reports annually on the progress it has made toward its Consolidate Plan goal in the Consolidate Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER describes Howard County’s affordable housing and community development activities carried out over the past program year running from July 1st through June 30th each year. The CAPER also provides the community a concise breakdown of the federal funds used for activities that were undertaken during the program year and an evaluation of the County’s progress in carrying out the goals and objectives as stated in the Five Year Consolidated Plan.

• The Approved FFY2019 CAPER

The County was awarded additional federal funding to help combat the economic effects of the pandemic. These funds are available for help rent, utilities and mortgage assistance here.  For additional assistance, contact the grants team at (410) 313-6318 Option 4.