On September 5, 2025, Governor Wes Moore signed the “Housing Starts Here” executive order in Annapolis, a bold step to address Maryland’s 96,000-unit housing shortage by accelerating development and improving affordability. The order leverages state-owned land, streamlines permitting, and fosters collaboration to bring homes to market faster, a move that resonates deeply in Southern Maryland, where housing costs strain families in counties like St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles.
“When we talk about housing that’s more affordable, we’re not just talking about building shelter; we’re talking about building a legacy,” said Gov. Moore. “That’s why we need to move faster to build new homes, move faster to make housing more affordable, and move faster to create a housing market that is more competitive. That’s the vision of this executive order, and our success will be felt for generations to come.”
The executive order introduces several key initiatives. It directs the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Department of Transportation, alongside the Department of General Services, to identify state-owned properties for transit-oriented development. This strategy prioritizes building homes near transit hubs, a critical need in Southern Maryland, where access to jobs in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis drives housing demand. By optimizing state land use, the order aims to create more housing options for families across the region.
To enhance efficiency, the order reduces state permitting timelines, enabling faster construction while increasing transparency in housing production across jurisdictions. A new state housing ombudsman will serve as a liaison between DHCD, local governments, developers, and communities, ensuring projects progress without delays. This role is particularly significant for Southern Maryland, where coordination between counties like Charles and Calvert and state agencies can expedite developments in growing areas like Waldorf or Prince Frederick.
The order also mandates DHCD to collaborate with local jurisdictions to set housing production targets for the state, counties, and municipalities with planning and zoning authority. These targets, to be published in January 2026 and updated every five years, will guide development efforts in Southern Maryland, where communities face pressure to balance growth with affordability. To incentivize progress, the order establishes the Maryland Housing Leadership Awards, granting bonus points to jurisdictions that meet housing goals, boosting their competitiveness for DHCD funding. This could benefit Southern Maryland counties seeking state support for local projects.
“More housing is the key to a more affordable Maryland,” said DHCD Secretary Jake Day. “Governor Moore’s executive order will spur housing growth and means more people can live, work and raise their families in our great towns and cities.”
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact. “The Housing Starts Here Executive Order reflects our belief that housing affordability is foundational to economic mobility and opportunity. From affordable rentals to first-time homeownership, from supportive housing to rehabilitation programs, we are addressing every stage of the housing continuum,” he said. “In Howard County, we believe that affordable and attainable housing is a policy priority. With strong partnerships and shared commitment, we can create a future where every Marylander has the stability and opportunity to thrive. I thank Governor Moore and Secretary Day for their steadfast leadership in ensuring everyone can call Maryland home.”
The executive order builds on the Moore-Miller Administration’s 2024 legislative housing package, which removed barriers to construction, strengthened financing tools, and established the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to protect renters. It also follows Governor Moore’s July 2025 announcement of $50 million in grants for Baltimore City’s vacant property reduction through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative and Reinvest Baltimore, aiming to revitalize 5,000 vacant properties by Fiscal Year 2029. While focused on Baltimore, these efforts set a precedent for urban renewal that could inspire similar initiatives in Southern Maryland’s growing communities.
For Southern Maryland residents, the executive order addresses pressing housing challenges. In St. Mary’s County, where military and civilian workers at Naval Air Station Patuxent River drive demand, transit-oriented development could ease pressure on areas like Lexington Park. In Charles County, where Waldorf’s population has surged, faster permitting and state support could accelerate affordable housing projects. Calvert County, with its rural charm and commuting workforce, stands to benefit from targeted production goals that align with local needs.
The order’s impact will unfold as DHCD sets production targets and the ombudsman facilitates projects. As the state moves toward a more affordable housing market, the Moore-Miller Administration’s actions signal a commitment to Southern Maryland’s families, ensuring access to homes that support thriving communities.
