Charles County is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to address affordable housing shortages as rising costs have made homeownership and rental options increasingly difficult for many residents. Data reveals that nearly a third of homeowners and close to half of renters in the county are financially stretched, spending at least 30% of their income on housing expenses—a situation that officials say underscores the need for expanded affordable housing options.
According to the latest Charles County community survey conducted between August and October 2023, only 22% of residents reported satisfaction with the availability of affordable housing in the area. This low satisfaction rate reflects the growing challenge for low- and moderate-income households to find adequate and affordable housing, which in turn increases demand for essential support services like food, utilities, and transportation.
The ripple effect of the housing affordability issue also impacts economic development and workforce stability. In a statement, county officials noted that the shortage of affordable housing affects the recruitment and retention of employees at Charles County’s largest employers, which could have broader economic implications.
Forming a Strategy: The Affordable Housing Workgroup
In response to these challenges, the Charles County Planning Commission established a specialized Affordable Housing Workgroup. This subgroup is tasked with evaluating existing housing policies and developing actionable recommendations to increase the county’s stock of affordable, safe, and equitable housing. The workgroup will also consider policies that promote quality in affordable housing development, aiming to ensure that any new housing meets high standards of livability.
The Affordable Housing Workgroup plans to review and propose policies to the Planning Commission and will hold public discussions to gather community input before presenting recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
Housing Mapping and Data Dashboard: A Resource for Local Planners
To assist in this effort, the county has introduced a Housing Mapping and Data Dashboard, a tool designed to consolidate and compare housing data across local jurisdictions. Using the dashboard, local planners can access a comprehensive view of Charles County’s current housing landscape, enabling them to make informed decisions about future housing needs based on real-time supply and demand metrics. The dashboard also allows for targeted analyses, helping planners to pinpoint specific areas where affordable housing development could have the greatest impact.
Community Engagement and Resources
Community members interested in learning more about affordable housing initiatives can access resources provided by Charles County, including public meetings of the Affordable Housing Workgroup. Additionally, an episode of “Charles County Now” dedicated to affordable housing is available to watch, which explores the importance of affordable housing and ongoing efforts to expand options for residents.
The workgroup is expected to host public discussions, and officials hope that the community will engage in this process to ensure that solutions align with residents’ needs.