9820 Patuxent Woods Drive
Suite 224
Columbia, MD 21046
United States
About Us
The Department of Housing and Community Development administers a range of Federal, State, and County-funded programs to create and preserve affordable housing units for low - and moderate-income residents in Howard County. The Department provides access to affordable homeownership and rental units, provides loans for down payment and closing cost assistance, and offers homebuyer education classes to encourage homeownership in the county. The Department also receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program funding from HUD to provide loans and grants for special needs housing programs, rental assistance, and community facilities. The Department also works with homeless or at risk for homelessness families.
More From The Department
RFP for Rental Assistance Program
Announcement: RFP for Rental Assistance Program for Low Income Older Adults opened 9/30/24. A Pre-proposal conference is scheduled for October 15, 2024 at 11:00 am.
Foreclosure Prevention Program
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.
HCD Advisory Board
The Department of Housing & Community Development Board - Members and Meeting information
I'm A Developer or Builder
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.
I'm A Non-Profit
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.
Acquisitions and Rental Housing Sales
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.
Housing Opportunities Trust Fund
The Housing Opportunities Trust Fund will be an important tool to address the critical housing infrastructure needs facing Howard County.
Housing Opportunities Master Plan & Task Force
HOMP meetings and the Plan.
Columbia Downtown Housing Corp
Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation - Members, Meetings and New Cultural Center information
Publications and Reports
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.