Housing Innovation Pilot Program Application Open

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) seeks proposals from qualified applicants to receive an allocation of its Housing Innovation Fund through the Housing Innovation Pilot Program (HIPP). The program was created to provide low- or no-interest loans to local housing authorities or to county governments partnering with housing developers. In addition, the Fund may be used for projects where a county, in conjunction with a local housing authority or a housing developer, acquires existing private-sector housing to create opportunities for public housing authorities and county governments to increase the volume of housing production and reward counties pursuing innovative solutions to the problem of housing scarcity. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to sponsors of eligible housing projects.

The program is funded with $5m in FY 26, and DHCD will select up to 3 projects, each in a different jurisdiction, through a competitive funding round. Applications for HIPP are due no later than 12:00 PM on Friday, May 18, 2026. The Request for Proposals (RFP), including scoring criteria, and application materials can be found under application documents in the Multifamily Library.

DHCD will hold a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 12 PM via video conference.  At this session, DHCD will provide an overview of the Program and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions you would like addressed during the Information Session presentation

You can join the pre-round information session using the video call link or call in using the information below:

PHONE:  +1 678-632-5961

PIN: ‪556 879 685#

Amended HOTMA Interim Guidance for LIHTC Properties

As HUD has extended the HOTMA implementation date from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027, the Department will extend the interim guidance established in Multifamily Notice 24-01 until the new implementation date.

Tenant Selection Plan Training with the Vera Institute

In August 2024, CDA implemented a new policy for housing providers receiving CDA funding, requiring that they utilize CDA’s tenant selection policy and screening criteria. To help owners/managers implement this policy, CDA is hosting a virtual training session about the criminal record screening procedures with the Vera Institute of Justice. This training will cover the basics of the criminal record screening requirements, how the policy interacts with Fair Housing Act standards, and how to navigate the Individualized Assessment process.

The training will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 12:00-1:30 pm EST. Please RSVP to receive the training link.