Governor Wes Moore announced his housing growth and affordability agenda on January 7, 2026, during an event at Metro’s Capitol Heights station in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The agenda features three legislative proposals aimed at reducing barriers to housing development, increasing supply, and improving affordability statewide, with emphasis on transit-oriented development (TOD) near existing transit infrastructure.
The primary bill, the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026, targets zoning and financing obstacles to promote housing and jobs near transit stations. It eliminates minimum parking requirements for qualifying TOD projects, encourages mixed-use developments, grants the state greater authority over adjacent land, and expands financial incentives for developments near high-quality transit. The act would unlock more than 300 acres of state-owned land near transit stations, potentially yielding over 7,000 housing units and nearly $1.4 billion in tax revenue for the state and local communities over time. Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle stated, “The Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act will help the Maryland Department of Transportation expedite our work in transforming underutilized land around transit stations into dense, thriving, and inclusive developments that will better connect our communities and grow our economy.”
Two additional bills complement the agenda. The Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026, proposed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, seeks to expand options for smaller, more affordable homes by permitting smaller single-family homes on reduced lot sizes and townhouses in residential zones statewide. Secretary Jake Day said, “The Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 would expand housing choices by enabling homes that are up to 30 percent less expensive than what’s currently available, unlocking homeownership for more Maryland families.”
The Housing Certainty Act of 2026, sponsored by Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Dylan Behler, addresses regulatory uncertainty, delays, and impact fees. It aims to prevent rule changes after project approval and streamline fee processes to reduce costs. Senator Augustine stated, “The Housing Certainty Act ensures that once a housing project is approved, the rules can’t change and derail it, forcing Marylanders to pay the price with higher housing costs.” Delegate Behler added, “By ensuring rules can’t change after construction is approved, and streamlining the fee collection process, we can reduce the cost of housing to make it more affordable for families to live and work in Maryland.”
These proposals build on Moore’s earlier Housing Starts Here Executive Order, which focuses on increasing housing production to address the statewide shortage.
Potential benefits and challenges of the agenda extend beyond affordability. TOD initiatives, as promoted in the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act, can reduce vehicle dependency by locating homes, jobs, and services near transit, potentially lowering traffic congestion and supporting economic growth through higher tax revenues from new development. State plans for TOD along corridors like the MARC Penn Line highlight goals of increasing transit ridership, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue while minimizing highway strain.
On the environment, denser development near transit can promote efficient land use, reduce sprawl, and decrease per-capita emissions from commuting. However, increased density raises concerns about stormwater runoff, habitat impacts, and strain on existing infrastructure if not managed with adequate green space or mitigation measures.
For taxes, the projected $1.4 billion in revenue from unlocked state land development could fund public services, though initial infrastructure investments might require upfront public spending. Local governments could see expanded tax bases from new housing and commercial activity.
In terms of public works and schools, added population in TOD areas and smaller-lot developments may increase demand for water, sewer, roads, and educational facilities. Without corresponding expansions, this could strain existing systems. Proponents argue that higher density concentrates growth in serviced areas, making efficient public investments possible and potentially easing pressure on rural or exurban schools.
Traffic impacts remain mixed. Reduced parking minimums and transit proximity aim to decrease car use, but rapid population growth in specific corridors could temporarily worsen congestion without sufficient transit enhancements or road improvements.
The Moore-Miller Administration plans collaboration with the Maryland General Assembly and local stakeholders to advance these bills in the 2026 legislative session.