When I took office as Howard County executive in December 2018, the challenges facing our community were clear: a growing workforce with limited housing options at their disposal, rising housing costs and an increasing demand for more diverse housing options to fit the needs of our residents. The pandemic only exacerbated these challenges. We knew then and know now how important it is to ensure every resident has access to safe, affordable housing. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, everyone should be empowered to have a place to call home.

Housing is more than just buildings. It’s a place where people connect, families grow and where people can truly be themselves. Too many of our families are struggling to make ends meet, including our older adults living on a fixed income who want to age in place, and young professionals who want to live where they work.

Recently, a report from the U.S. Census Bureau released data from the American Community Survey which shows that Howard County is the most expensive jurisdiction for renters and mortgage holders in the state. People want to move to and live in Howard County because of our excellent schools, thriving economy, safe neighborhoods and exceptional quality of life. I believe that building and creating affordable and accessible housing opportunities is achievable, should be universally supported and requires strategic vision to make sure no one falls through the cracks. That is why I launched the county’s first housing master plan in over a decade shortly after taking office. I wanted leading experts, advocates and residents to work together to identify the shortages in our housing pipeline and to develop effective strategies that can address these shortages.

Since the plan was adopted in 2021, we have worked relentlessly to expand Howard County’s affordable housing stock. We’ve invested nearly $24 million in the past six years to create and preserve approximately 500 units across multiple affordability price points. With amenities like energy-efficient appliances, green building practices and easy access to transit, residents in Columbia, Elkridge and Ellicott City can live with amenities that they deserve in quality spaces, which, in turn, enhances their quality of life.

In addition to supporting the development of new units, we have also focused heavily on helping households who are rent-burdened. For example, too many of our families and students continue to face the challenges of housing instability and homelessness. Through our Housing Opportunities are Meant for Everyone initiative, we invested more than $2 million to ensure that our school system and community college families can gain access to secure housing. To date, in partnership with Bridges to Housing Stability, we successfully secured housing for more than 100 school system students and family members experiencing homelessness. Additionally, at Howard Community College, approximately 40 of its students and their families have either been housed or are receiving housing support from the Columbia Housing Center.

One key element of home stability is creating opportunities for residents to own their home. This spring, I launched our Opportunities for Wealth-Building Now initiative, which helped nearly 50 households gain access to affordable homeownership in Howard County. Through a $1 million foreclosure assistance program, we are also ensuring that our residents who have a home can stay in their home.

No one, especially during the holiday season, should worry about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their head. In Howard County, this is recognized by our local partners, including nonprofit organizations, community leaders and our local and state leadership. We have built an infrastructure that puts our residents and their needs first — and housing is a key element.

During the upcoming Maryland General Assembly, housing will be a key topic of discussion due to Governor Wes Moore’s anticipated comprehensive housing legislation. As the legislation is debated, heard and reworked, we must remember our core — all residents should be in safe housing.

We must continue to thoughtfully work together to address the gaps in our housing market, build more affordable housing infrastructure, progress toward adequate infrastructure for all communities and establish policy that will help protect our residents’ ability to have a home.

Together we will continue to build a community where a home is the foundation for a brighter, stronger future for all — because we know, everyone deserves a place to call home.

Calvin Ball (CBall@howardcountymd.gov) is Howard County executive.