Certified Heritage Areas

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program offers targeted financial and technical assistance within thirteen locally designated Heritage Areas, each of which has a distinct focus or theme that represents a unique aspect of Maryland’s character.

Certified Local Governments

The Certified Local Government (CLG) program recognizes counties and municipalities that have made a special commitment to preservation, including establishing a qualified historic preservation commission to designate and review historic properties.

Opportunity Zones

The Opportunity Zone program is a nationwide initiative administered by the U.S. Treasury created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job’s Act. The program provides federal tax incentives for investment in distressed communities over the next 10 years. Areas designated as Opportunity Zones will be able to reap the benefits of capital gains to help redevelop underserved communities. Developed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to facilitate Opportunity Zone investment, the Maryland Opportunity Zone Information Exchange is the first comprehensive, interactive resource of its kind in the nation.

Sustainable Communities (DHCD)

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Sustainable Communities Program is a place-based designation offering a comprehensive package of resources that support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization and sustainability. Led by the Department, Sustainable Communities has provided local governments with a framework for promoting environmentally, economically and socially responsible growth and development in existing older communities.

Climate Leadership Academy

The Maryland Climate Leadership Academy will advance the capacity of state and local government agencies, infrastructure organizations and businesses to develop and implement sound climate change initiatives thus ensuring current and future public health, security and economic prosperity.

Home Ownership/Affordable Housing

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's homeownership and rental housing programs help families in Maryland find, maintain and keep affordable and livable housing in communities throughout the state.

Maryland Arts Grants

Through these programs, the Maryland State Arts Council impacts a broad range of individuals, communities and institutions across the state. Select a program to learn more about associated events, activities and grants.

Project Green Classrooms environmental education initiative

Project Green Classroom is an initiative to promote outdoor experiential activities and environmental education through Maryland’s schools, communities and public lands.

Maryland InfoPortal

Maryland InfoPortal is the best one stop for finding financial and non-financial assistance, containing links to 700-plus state programs providing financial, non-financial and technical assistance and direct development to local government, civic and private organizations, and individuals.

Maryland Planning Housing Element: Models & Guidelines

The Housing Elements Models and Guidelines (M&G) curates national and state resources, as well as common planning practices and processes, to assist Maryland jurisdictions in the completion of a mandatory comprehensive plan housing element. The Land Use Article requires the housing element to address the need for and provision of low-income and workforce housing based on HUD's area median income. Resources include a housing data dashboard, self-assessments, a sortable affordable housing resource table, and a model housing element development process.

Maryland Town Manager Circuit Rider Program

The Maryland Town Manager Circuit Rider Program assists small town and city governments with building their administrative capacity.