Regulatory Barriers - Nation Call To Action: Taskforce

This report, presented by the Montgomery County Affordable Housing Taskforce, identifies issues and makes recommendations to meet the affordable housing needs of the county. The taskforce was established in March 2007 to identify barriers and solutions to promoting housing affordability in Montgomery County. Some of the issues identified by the taskforce include creation and preservation of affordable rental and owner-occupied housing, adoption of regulatory reform, and homeownership assistance to public employees. The taskforce recommends the inclusion of an affordable housing element in all future master plans, reduction in parking requirements, and expedited development review processes to encourage the development of affordable housing. Recommendations also include developing community education programs to promote public acceptance of affordable housing projects, and providing temporary property tax abatements to eligible county employees.