(The Center Square) – Maryland is using nearly $32 million to support affordable rental housing.
Through the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development application for federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Housing Funds, 12 projects will be funded through a competitive process to create or preserve 1,340 high-quality, energy-efficient affordable rental units, Gov. Larry Hogan said.
“During our administration, the state of Maryland has provided financing and tax credits to create or preserve an unprecedented more than 28,000 affordable rental units,” Hogan said in a release. “The projects selected in this year’s application round will further expand affordable housing opportunities for Maryland’s working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.”
According to the release, 21 applications were received and reviewed by the Department of Housing and Community Development requesting $23.7 million in Rental Housing Funds from the states and $30.1 million in federal funding.
According to the release, tax credits valued at close to $17 million will be combined with $15 million in Rental Housing Funds administered by the department among nine counties and the city of Baltimore.
The department, since 2019, has used 9% competitive tax credits and 4% non-competitive tax credits under the program to preserve housing.
“The creativity and dedication of our team have helped our financing tools go further to house more people and create even more positive economic impact in Maryland,” DHCD Secretary Kenneth C. Holt said in a release. “Each project financed creates more jobs and adds to the tens of thousands of units preserved.”