The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development recently announced revisions to the State of Maryland’s 2023 Qualified Allocation Plan (the “QAP”) and Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide (the “Guide”). The two documents outline regulations for the allocation of federal Low-Income Tax Credits and state Rental Housing Funds, as well as the scoring criteria for the next competitive application round for funding.
“Everyone deserves a pathway to opportunity, and every journey begins and ends at home. We have a duty to make sure those homes are affordable and sustainable,” said Secretary Jake Day. “Too many working families, seniors, and persons with disabilities are cost-burdened by their rent. Ensuring no Marylander is left behind and building a competitive, equitable economy for all means tackling our state’s affordable housing shortage.”
The QAP and Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide outline Maryland’s affordable housing priorities and create the rules by which project applications are scored in a competitive application process for the credits and additional state funds. The revisions to the 2023 QAP and Guide reflect feedback and suggestions from affordable rental housing stakeholders and others through a transparent, public process.
The revised QAP and Guide reflect the Moore-Miller Administration’s priorities for the creation and preservation of affordable housing, emphasizing socially equitable investment in sustainable, energy-efficient homes. This includes:
- Renewed emphasis on energy-efficient, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing design, including an emphasis on Lovable Places – projects that promote walkability and include community-centric amenities like outdoor social areas, community gardens, and teleworking space.
- Targeted resources to help fund smaller projects, including permanent supportive housing, through the Infill and Redevelopment Pool
- Adjusted requirements for new construction, gut rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects in regards to incorporating universal design features and visitability standards
- Updated the Community of Opportunity (COO) designations for 2023 and increased incentives for family projects located in COOs in the Baltimore Region and DC Metro Area
Applications for the competitive round for federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state Rental Housing Funds are due by Friday, December 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM. DHCD will hold a virtual Pre-Round Information Session on October 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM via video conference. At this session, DHCD will discuss resources available for the application round, review changes to the QAP, Guide and related processes, and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. Please email dhcd.qap@maryland.gov for more information about the information session or application process, or click here for additional information on the application round.
To review the 2023 QAP and Guide, visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/HousingDevelopment/Pages/MFLibrary.aspx.
