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.
August 13, 2026
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) are pleased to announce a funding round (the “2026 NOFA”) of $4M for housing and community development projects through the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund. DHCD is seeking proposals from owners, developers, nonprofits and community partners for projects or programs that will create or preserve affordable housing units and/or address the housing needs of Howard County residents. DHCD is seeking projects that are bold and innovative and will support the goals and recommendations in the Housing Opportunities Master Plan and the HUD 5-year Consolidated Plan to address the housing needs of current and future Howard County residents.
The 2026 NOFA application is now open. The submission deadline is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Applications must be emailed to housing@howardcountymd.gov by the deadline.
A virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 pm. Interested applicants may ask questions about the 2026 NOFA requirements during the conference. Prospective applicants must email Kanise Lewis at klewis@howardcountymd.gov by September 8th to receive a link to the virtual conference.
2026 Energy Saving Days:
During these days, while various County Government buildings and office locations throughout the county will be physically closed to the public, staff will be working remotely to ensure the needs of community members are still being met. The Department of Housing and Community Development building will be closed the following days:
- November: 23rd, 24th, and 25th
More From The Department
Older adult rental assistance program.
The Department of Housing & Community Development Board - Members and Meeting information
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.
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.
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.
Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation - Members, Meetings and New Cultural Center information
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.
The Housing Opportunities Trust Fund will be an important tool to address the critical housing infrastructure needs facing Howard County.
HOMP meetings and the Plan.
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.
