Housing Affordability

Remember getting a place of your own for the first time? I sure do. I was excited, proud, and a little anxious. Whether renting or buying, the sense of independence and responsibility is a big deal. Homeownership is part of the American Dream of upward mobility. Sadly, in our city ─ and across the country ─ it’s harder to reach that dream than it was for prior generations.

New homes have not kept pace with a growing population and buyer demand. Annapolis’ population, per the U.S. Census Bureau, is 40,812. According to statistics from HAND, a non-profit housing collective:

• Forty percent of households were renters, and 50 percent of renters had unaffordable housing costs.

• Annapolis built 24 units in 2023; an estimated 123 units are needed annually to meet future housing demand.

The home affordability crisis is a national phenomenon. In our state alone, the housing shortage has reached 96,000 units. As mayor, one of my top priorities will be implementing a clear Housing Strategy. When it comes to housing, our city has traditionally been reactive. That must change. My strategy will include:

• Having a housing specialist build sensible plans based on solid data, analysis, and expertise.

• Boosting opportunities for affordable and workforce housing, which may involve zoning changes, enhanced infrastructure, and increases in staffing and community services like fire, police, and transportation.

• Reducing short-term rental density so locals are not pushed out of the rental or buying market.

Last month, I attended the Anne Arundel County Affordable Housing Symposium to dive into the issues and get workable ideas. Speakers included boots-on-the-ground agents who see real suffering and inadequate solutions. Housing advocates pushed for moderately denser construction and modifications to zoning and land-use policies to better accommodate expanded housing.

Whatever solutions we pursue, it’ll be a balancing act. When I went on ride-alongs with local police and firefighters recently, they emphasized that more people must be hired in those roles as population and housing increase. And, of course, we must preserve green spaces and tree canopies. Tapping the knowledge of experts and actively listening to residents will be crucial as we move ahead. In our city, affordable housing shouldn’t be an impossible dream.

Sincerely,  

Jared Littmann

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