FY27 Budget Hearings - DHCD

Earlier in the month we wrapped up on our FY27 budget hearings. Throughout the process we listened to insightful presentations, asked questions, and advocated for an increase in funding to different agencies. To watch the DHCD budget hearing please click here.

On June 2nd we held the budget hearing for DHCD. I advocated for funding for several different housing issues so that can access the resources that would help us address with reducing our number of vacant houses and lots. Three things I would like to highlight from the hearing are:

1. The implementation of my bill, 25-0141 Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Enforcement Act, will hold bad landlords accountable. We spoke about it extensively during budget hearings yesterday, particularly the rental property receivership section. You can view my remarks on my bill at 1:23:27

2. Ramping up our court capacity for In-Rem cases significantly. It has proven as the most effective and efficient way to acquire vacant properties by foreclosing on outstanding liens when they exceed the value of the property. Baltimore has acquired over 800 properties and lots since the start of in rem and now it’s time to ramp up to acquire the more than 5,000 in rem eligible vacant properties and lots. You can listen to my points about In-Rem at 1:16:46

3. The fact that vacant properties are inspected every 120 days is not helpful to meet our goals of reducing our number of vacant properties. You can view my points about this issue at 2:10:57