§ 4-1803. Requirements for participation

   (a) Qualification of local governments. -- A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:

   (1) the local government has:

      (i) a 5-year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or

      (ii) a comprehensive plan;

   (2) the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:

      (i) have a workforce housing element;

      (ii) assess workforce housing needs; and

      (iii) contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and

   (3) the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:

      (i) a desire to participate in the Program; and

      (ii) a reasonable expectation of the local government's ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4-1804 of this subtitle.

(b) Requirements for workforce housing element. -- The workforce housing element in the 5-year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:

   (1) preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;

   (2) redevelopment of existing residential areas;

   (3) streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;

   (4) financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;

   (5) special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;

   (6) efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first-time homebuyers and renters;

   (7) coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;

   (8) coordination with private sector employers; and

   (9) leveraging of federal financial assistance.

HISTORY: 2006, ch. 483; 2007, ch. 603.