Housing and Community Development - Division of Just Communities - Establishment

SB 890 establishes a new Division of Just Communities within Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. It transfers the authority to designate "Just Communities" from the Governor to the Department and updates the criteria, including areas with high foreclosure rates (defined as over 10 foreclosure events in a quarter and a concentration ratio above 100). The bill also moves the Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program under this new division. It directly affects historically underserved communities, particularly those impacted by disinvestment and foreclosure patterns, to prioritize state funding for housing equity.