Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed a new executive order aimed at building more affordable housing across the state. At the signing event, he said the goal is simple: “speed.” The process of building homes in Maryland has often been slowed down by red tape, long waits for approvals, and complicated rules. Moore says that needs to change. He wants the state to shift from saying “no” and dragging things out to saying “yes” and getting projects moving quickly.
Cutting the Permit Delays
One of the biggest problems developers face is how long it takes to get permits. It can stretch close to a year, delaying badly needed housing. The order calls for major improvements: more digital paperwork, faster fee payments, and even allowing licensed private architects and engineers to help review applications. If this works, the timeline for new housing could be cut almost in half. That means shovels in the ground sooner and families moving in faster.
Using Land and Transit Areas for Housing
Another key part of the plan is finding land where affordable housing can be built. The state will look closely at land it already owns that isn’t being used and make it available for housing projects. On top of that, the order encourages development near train and bus stations. These “transit-oriented” communities make it easier for residents to get around without needing a car, while also putting housing in areas where people already want to live.
Setting Goals and Offering Rewards
The order also sets up clear housing goals for local governments. Each county and city will now have a target to reach when it comes to approving and supporting affordable housing. To push them further, the state will give priority funding to those who meet or exceed their goals. In other words, if a county helps more families by supporting new housing, it will also get more resources to continue building.
Tracking Progress With Real Data
Housing leaders say one of the challenges has been the lack of consistent data. Different groups have different ways of measuring housing needs, which makes it hard to compare numbers and decide what to fix first. The new order requires a statewide system that uses the same standards everywhere. With that in place, policymakers can see exactly where the biggest problems are and whether new projects are truly meeting the demand.
Why It Matters
Housing costs in Maryland are a real burden for many families. More than half of households spend over 30% of their income on rent or mortgage payments. That leaves less money for food, health care, or savings. By cutting delays, setting clear goals, and using state land more effectively, this plan is meant to ease that pressure.
It’s not an instant solution. Identifying enough land for housing projects is still a slow process, and many communities have their own zoning battles to fight. But the executive order shows that the state is taking the housing shortage seriously. If these changes take root, Maryland could start to see faster, fairer growth in housing that helps both working families and the broader economy.