The Maryland Housing Certainty Act will help reduce the uncertainty around changing land use regulations. While revising and updating land use regulations is an ongoing process, a proposal should have certainty that upon completing an application, the rules will not change.
Author: Carrie Kisicki
Testimony: Support for SB 457 / HB 1081 — Authority of Counties to Establish Subclasses and Set Separate Rates for Land and Improvements to Land (Land Value Tax)
Split-rate taxes on land and improvements allow governments to properly align tax incentives with desirable outcomes, encouraging development that will deliver on the vision of local master plans, provide community benefits, and generate its fair share of the revenue needed to support public infrastructure.
Testimony: Support for WMATA Operating and Capital Budget (MD)
The Coalition for Smarter Growth strongly supports funding for WMATA. We support the proposed governor’s allowance with amendments that the State of Maryland provide full operating funding contribution identified by WMATA in its proposed FY27 budget, and, starting in FY28, the DMVMoves capital funding increase of $152M per year.
Testimony: Support for Board of Public Works Contract Review – Climate and Sustainability Information (MD)
The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports SB116 Board of Public Works, Contract Review, Climate & Sustainability Information.
SB116 will ensure that Maryland’s capital investment and procurement decisions are informed by how well they support the state’s climate change goals.
Testimony: Support for Vulnerable Road User Protection Act of 2026 (MD)
The Vulnerable Road User Protection Act will provide a needed data-driven approach to safety that aligns with Maryland’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths. A quarter of Maryland traffic deaths involved people walking or biking.
Testimony: Support for HB 386 — Metro Funding Modification Act (MD)
The Metro Funding Modification Act will ensure that critical tri-state capital funding for WMATA is adjusted for inflation and scaled to meet state-of-good repair needs starting in FY29. The funding will also enable timely modernization of outdated rail system infrastructure.
Event materials: Does more housing make housing more affordable?
On January 22, 2026, we talked to leading housing experts about the relationship between housing production and affordability, and explored policy tools to provide stable, affordable housing across a range of incomes.
This was the third webinar in our series on our region’s housing needs, and how researchers, policymakers, and advocates can work together towards solutions.
WIN! Montgomery County Council approves the University Blvd Corridor Plan
On Tuesday, December 9, the Montgomery County Council voted to approve the University Boulevard Corridor Plan by a vote of 7-3. The plan creates a strong framework for safer streets, a wider variety of housing options, a connected bike network, and new homes and retail near transit.
Support transit and inclusive housing options in the University Boulevard Corridor Plan
The University Boulevard Corridor Plan envisions a community with safer streets, thriving local businesses, better public transit, and more housing choices to meet people’s needs at all ages and stages of life.
Visit our landing page at smartergrowth.net/ubc to take action and learn more about the plan.
Big win in Montgomery County! Council allows more multi-family homes on county corridors
Yesterday, the Montgomery County Council voted 8-3 to pass Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-02. The legislation will allow more housing types, like townhouses or small apartment buildings, along major corridors, creating more homes near jobs and amenities.