Baltimore County Leaders Propose Options To Increase Access To Affordable Housing

TOWSON - Baltimore County leaders announced several proposals on Thursday aimed at increasing access to affordable housing.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and other leaders unveiled four proposals that will be brought before the Baltimore County Council.

During the proceedings, Olszewski spoke to the difficulties many Baltimore County families experience when trying to buy a home.

"[Residents are] working full-time, and they're raising their families here, have had to put that American dream on hold because they simply cannot afford a home right now."

The first and most impactful proposal seeks to establish a Housing Opportunities Fund to support development, initially paid for with $16 million in ARPA funds. This fund would allocate resources toward renovating and building affordable housing in the county.

Other proposals included:

• Updating construction guidelines to allow for 16-foot townhomes.
• Defining what qualifies as vacant property.
• Allowing for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The county hopes that through these pathways, it can create more opportunities for more residents.

These proposals will be introduced at Baltimore County Council's next meeting on Tuesday.