Published by Michael J. Schiff, Team Leader, The Schiff Home Team of eXp Realty
This September, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order titled “Housing Starts Here”, signaling Maryland’s commitment to accelerate housing development statewide. Maryland Governor’s Office+2The Washington Post+2 The goal: reduce bureaucratic delays, make better use of state‑owned land, and catalyze more housing – especially in areas close to transit. Maryland Governor’s Office+2Maryland Daily Record+2
For Baltimore real estate professionals, developers, and homeowners, this is more than a policy announcement. It could reshape how fast, and where, new housing gets built in our region.
What The Executive Order Does
Here are the key components of the “Housing Starts Here” directive:
- Reduce permitting timeframes for housing projects by pushing for efficiency, digitization, and partnering with private reviewers to streamline processes. The Washington Post+2CoStar+2
- Designate state‑owned land for housing development, especially for transit‑oriented or infill projects. Maryland Governor’s Office+2The Washington Post+2
- Create a state housing ombudsman to act as a point of coordination between developers, state agencies, and local jurisdictions to address bottlenecks and delays. Maryland Governor’s Office+2Maryland Daily Record+2
- Require local jurisdictions to set housing production targets; municipalities that meet those benchmarks may receive prioritization when applying for state housing funds. Maryland Governor’s Office+2Maryland Daily Record+2
- Focus on increasing transparency in permitting and development review timelines. Maryland Governor’s Office+2Maryland Daily Record+2
Maryland is estimated to be facing a 96,000‑unit housing deficit, which this executive order aims to begin tackling by making the system more responsive. Maryland Daily Record+2The Washington Post+2
Why Baltimore Should Pay Attention
1. Faster Project Delivery Could Mean More Development Near You
Developers in Baltimore – especially in neighborhoods already seeing momentum – may see reduced regulatory friction. Projects that once sat in review for months might move faster, freeing up capital and enabling quicker turnarounds.
2. Increased Competition in Targeted Corridors
Transit corridors and infill zones (in Baltimore City and County) could attract more development interest. Properties close to light rail, bus lines, or Metro stations may gain value as projects become more financially viable.
3. Value Shift from Pure Land to “Ready to Build”
Land parcels that are already zoned, permitted, or near state‑owned land may become more desirable. The difference between “clean title lot” and “shovel ready lot” may carry a bigger premium.
4. Greater Incentives for Pro‑Housing Jurisdictions
Counties or municipalities that cooperate – streamlining their local processes, updating zoning, meeting targets – could receive prioritization in state funding. That creates local competition to be more housing‑friendly, which may benefit certain areas around Baltimore.
5. More Certainty, Less Delay
For many developers, uncertainty is a cost driver. Knowing there’s a state mandate to reduce delays – and an ombudsman to help – could make feasibility models more reliable, reduce risk premiums, and encourage more private investment.
What Buyers, Homeowners & Investors Should Watch
- New Listings from Developers: As approval times shorten, more new construction homes and infill projects may hit the market. Be ready to act or monitor these.
- Zoning & Permit Changes Locally: Local city or county councils may respond by adjusting zoning codes, setback rules, or review processes. Stay current with local planning commission activity.
- Shovel‑Ready Parcels Rising in Value: As development readiness becomes more important, parcels with utilities, approved plans, and favorable zoning may accelerate in value.
- Neighborhood Growth Patterns: Areas adjacent to transit or in underdeveloped corridors may see renewed interest. These could be opportunity zones or early bet neighborhoods.
- Developer Resubmissions: Projects rejected or stalled years ago may find new viability. Watch for re‑filings or renewed proposals in Baltimore neighborhoods.
A Few Strategic Moves to Consider
- Engage with Local Planning Officials: As counties and municipalities set housing targets, advocates and developers who participate early can shape favorable processes.
- Position Properties Near State‑Owned Assets: Land adjacent to state facilities or underutilized property may become prime candidates for development.
- Update Pro Forma Assumptions: In financial models, reduce contingency buffers for permitting, and re‑evaluate timelines down by several months.
- Be Ready to Move Quickly: As changes roll out, developers who are ready to submit may capture advantageous approvals or incentives.
Maryland’s “Housing Starts Here” executive order is a strong signal that housing development is now a state priority. For Baltimore area real estate, that means more opportunity – and more competition – for well‑positioned projects. If you own land, think about development, or are watching where the next wave of growth will be, now is a good moment to get aligned with policy trends, local jurisdictions, and real estate momentum.
If you’d like help assessing whether a parcel you’re considering will benefit, estimating development potential, or getting ready for new permitting rules, let me know. We can explore it together.