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On March 21, 2026, Maryland Governor John Doe signed a landmark land use bill aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis. The bill, known as the Affordable Housing Zoning and Planning Act, seeks to increase the availability of affordable housing units in Maryland through targeted zoning and planning initiatives.The act includes provisions that require local governments to zone for affordable housing in high-opportunity areas, where access to jobs, transportation, and amenities is abundant. Additionally, the bill incentivizes developers to include affordable housing units in new construction projects through tax breaks and other financial incentives.Governor Doe, in a statement following the signing of the bill, emphasized the importance of addressing the state's affordable housing shortage. "We cannot continue to ignore the needs of our most vulnerable residents. This bill is a critical step towards ensuring that all Marylanders have access to safe, affordable housing," he said.The Affordable Housing Zoning and Planning Act has garnered widespread support from housing advocates, who see it as a long-overdue step towards addressing the state's housing affordability crisis. According to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the state currently has a shortage of over 100,000 affordable housing units.In addition to the Affordable Housing Zoning and Planning Act, Governor Doe also announced the formation of a task force to study ways to further improve zoning and planning policies to promote affordable housing in the state. The task force will be comprised of experts in the fields of housing, urban planning, and public policy.The signing of the Affordable Housing Zoning and Planning Act marks a significant milestone in Maryland's efforts to address its affordable housing crisis. With a renewed focus on zoning, planning, and land use policies, the state is taking proactive steps to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing.