On February 17, 2026, the Maryland state legislature passed a series of landmark zoning, planning, and land use bills aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the state. The legislation, which has been years in the making, seeks to promote affordable housing, increase density in urban areas, and streamline the development approval process.One of the key provisions of the bills is the establishment of a statewide affordable housing trust fund, which will provide funding for the creation of affordable housing units in high-cost areas. The fund will be financed through a combination of state funds, developer fees, and other sources, and will be overseen by a newly created Affordable Housing Commission.In addition to the affordable housing trust fund, the legislation also includes measures to promote density in urban areas by allowing for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and increasing height and density limits in designated transit-oriented development zones. These changes are aimed at increasing the supply of housing in high-demand areas and promoting mixed-use development.Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions to streamline the development approval process by consolidating permitting procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for developers. This will help to expedite the construction of new housing units and spur economic growth in the state.Advocates for the legislation are hailing it as a crucial step towards addressing Maryland's housing crisis, which has seen a dramatic increase in housing costs and a severe shortage of affordable units. By promoting affordable housing, increasing density, and streamlining the development process, the state hopes to make housing more accessible for all residents.The passage of this legislation comes after years of advocacy and collaboration between lawmakers, housing advocates, and stakeholders in the development industry. Governor John Smith, who championed the bills, praised the legislature for their bipartisan support and commitment to addressing the state's housing needs.The new zoning, planning, and land use laws are set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, and are expected to have a significant impact on the state's housing market. With these new measures in place, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to addressing its housing crisis and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing.