Eight regional governments, including Montgomery County and the City of Gaithersburg, finalized their fair housing plans with an eye on increasing access to safe and affordable housing, particularly in needy areas.
The plans, which were submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in December, were created with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
These updates marked the first time in 25 years that local jurisdictions joined together in this effort.
The plan includes an analysis of impediments to fair housing and acknowledges that metropolitan Washington has become more segregated by race and income since 1990.
The regional jurisdictions’ strategies include increasing the supply of affordable housing and changing zoning and land use policies to expand access to fair housing.
According to the plan, it is important to keep the same number of affordable rental units so that residents are not displaced. Another goal is to reduce unequal treatment and discriminatory practices that keep people of color, those with disabilities and seniors from owning their own homes.
The plan also strives to make public transit more accessible.
Maryland already has its own fair housing law. This plan, according to a news release from the COG, allows individual areas to coordinate efforts to eliminate housing inequity.
We are proud to partner with 7 other area jurisdictions and @MWCOG to create the Regional Fair Housing Plan. Visit https://t.co/s39DcDH0bY to view the full plan and learn about our shared goals & strategies for fair housing & more inclusive communities. pic.twitter.com/k77qwefcgt
— City of Gaithersburg (@GburgMD) January 18, 2024
