1. (a) A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:

   1. (1) the local government has:

      1. (i) a 5-year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or
      2. (ii) a comprehensive plan;

   2. (2) the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:

      1. (i) have a workforce housing element;
      2. (ii) assess workforce housing needs; and
      3. (iii) contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and

   3. (3) the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:

      1. (i) a desire to participate in the Program; and
      2. (ii) a reasonable expectation of the local government's ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4-1804 of this subtitle.

2. (b) The workforce housing element in the 5-year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:

   1. (1) preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;
   2. (2) redevelopment of existing residential areas;
   3. (3) streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;
   4. (4) financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;
   5. (5) special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;
   6. (6) efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first-time homebuyers and renters;
   7. (7) coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;
   8. (8) coordination with private sector employers; and
   9. (9) leveraging of federal financial assistance.

Added by Acts 2006, c. 483, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2006. Amended by Acts 2007, c. 603, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2007.