Written by Michael J. Schiff, Team Leader, The Schiff Home Team of eXp Realty
Baltimore City has just launched a major new grant program that could be a game‑changer for developers, residents, and anyone interested in revitalizing vacant properties. The City‑Wide Affordable Housing TIF (Tax Increment Financing) has up to $150 million in bond proceeds set aside over time to help redevelop vacant buildings, close appraisal gaps, and increase affordable housing in historically neglected neighborhoods. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+3Baltimore Housing & Community Development+3Mayor Brandon M. Scott+3
Here’s what the program looks like, who benefits, and how to take advantage of it.
What is the Affordable Housing TIF?
- The TIF law was established in December 2024 via city legislation (Ordinances 24‑0594 and 24‑0595). It is designed to generate funding by selling bonds on the expectation that redeveloped property tax revenue (the “increment”) will help support neighborhoods. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+1
- Unlike many traditional TIFs, this one is non‑contiguous (the District spans many areas rather than being a single, contiguous zone), and is focused on historically disinvested or vacant parts of Baltimore. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Conduit Street+2
- Total authorized is about $150 million in bond proceeds. Over time and via multiple application rounds, those funds will be distributed as grants (no repayment required). Mayor Brandon M. Scott+2Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2
Who Is Eligible & What Can the Grants Be Used For
Here are the key eligibility criteria and uses:
Eligible Applicants
- For‑profit developers, nonprofits, community development organizations (CDCs)
- Small, emerging, women‑ and minority‑owned developers
- Legacy residents and individuals in the TIF District who own or want to redevelop a vacant property Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2
Eligible Properties / Conditions
- Property must be in the City‑Wide Affordable Housing TIF District; DHCD has made a searchable map available so you can check whether a specific address is eligible. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+1
- Properties are mainly vacant buildings or lots, or those with Vacant Building Notices. Some must meet criteria like being part of block plans, or identified for priority through DHCD planning or legacy resident input. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Mayor Brandon M. Scott+2
Uses of Funds
The grants cover “hard construction costs” for residential redevelopment or public infrastructure needed for those projects. Examples include:
- Demolition, site preparation, foundations, framing, roof, structural elements
- Interior & exterior finishes, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire protection, etc. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2
- Either for homeownership or rental (though homeownership is emphasized for building wealth & increasing tax base) Baltimore Housing & Community Development+1
Income / Occupancy Limits
- Eligible occupants can earn up to 115% of Area Median Income (AMI) (for a family of four that’s approximately $149,845), though priority is given to lower incomes (60%‑80% AMI). Baltimore Housing & Community Development+1
Key Dates & Application Details
- Application period opens September 19, 2025. Mayor Brandon M. Scott+2Conduit Street+2
- Virtual information sessions to explain the program:
• September 15 at 1:00 pm ■ September 16 at 5:30 pm. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Mayor Brandon M. Scott+2 - Deadline for this first application round: October 3, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. Baltimore Housing & Community Development
- Notification of awards expected between November 6‑17, 2025. Baltimore Housing & Community Development
Why This Matters
For Baltimore, this isn’t just another grant program. It has potential for big ripple effects:
- Vacant Housing Reduction & Neighborhood Stabilization: Turning empty, deteriorated homes into safe, occupied homes addresses blight, discourages crime, and improves neighborhood appeal.
- Wealth Building & Homeownership: When residents or local small developers are empowered to own or restore homes, wealth can stay within communities.
- Tax Base Growth & City Revenues: Redeveloped properties lead to higher property values, more tax revenue, enabling more services or further investment.
- Equity & Prioritization: By focusing funds on small/emerging developers, minority/women‑owned businesses, and legacy residents, this program aims for inclusive growth rather than displacement.
What You Should Do If You’re Interested
If you’re thinking this might be for you, here are immediate steps:
- Check Eligibility — Use the DHCD’s searchable map to see if your property or prospective project is in the TIF District. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+1
- Attend an Info Session — The September virtual sessions will give you clarity on documentation, eligible costs, and what successful projects look like. Baltimore Housing & Community Development+2Mayor Brandon M. Scott+2
- Assemble Your Application — Gather site control documentation; detailed budgets; contractor/licensing info; project schedule; financing sources.
- Be Ready to Move Fast — The deadline is October 3 for this round; later funding rounds are expected, but competition will grow.
Baltimore’s $150 million Affordable Housing TIF Grant is a rare opportunity to tap into public financing that doesn’t need to be repaid, aimed squarely at restoring value and hope in communities long overlooked. For developers, community organizations, residents with vision, or investors with purpose, this program could enable projects that previously felt impossible.
If you’d like help evaluating a project, seeing if your property qualifies, estimating costs, or putting together an application—our team is ready to assist.