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.
ANNOUNCEMENT – 30-day Public Comment Period for the FFY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan is open!
The Public Hearing for the FFY2026 Draft Annual Action Plan will be held Monday, June 15, 2026 at 7:00pm in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building - 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
The 30-Day Public Comment Period regarding the draft FFY2026 Annual Action Plan begins on May 22 and ends on June 23, 2026.
FFY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan
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:
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June: 29th and 30th
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July: 1st and 2nd
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August: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th
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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.
