Project Overview:

Frederick County has partnered with Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) to conduct a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and develop a Strategic Plan. This study will analyze current housing gaps, project future housing needs across all income levels, and create a 10-year roadmap for addressing housing challenges in our community. Managed by the Division of Housing and guided by recommendations from County Executive Jessica Fitzwater's transition team, this initiative will help shape housing policies and identify resources to meet Frederick County's evolving housing needs. The Affordable Housing Study and 10-Year Strategic Plan began in November of 2024 and is projected to run for 12 months. Throughout this period, the Division of Housing will be working with TPMA to review previous plans, analyze local and regional housing data, engage community members and stakeholders, and facilitate a strategic planning process to help increase affordable housing options for all residents in Frederick County.

If you are visiting this page, we greatly appreciate your interest! This will serve as your hub of information about the project, including important events and announcements. We encourage you to share this site with your colleagues, friends, and family members. 

Contact Information:

For questions and inquiries, please email: IV6613@publicinput.com

Project Updates: 

  • Public Opinion Survey Dashboard Link - Click Here
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  • Completed Events
    • ​September 24th: Affordable Housing Open House #2. Bernard Brown Community Center - 629 North Market Street, Frederick, MD
    • September 25th: Affordable Housing Open House #3. Brunswick City Park Building - 655 E Potomac St, Brunswick, MD
    • August 21, 2025: Affordable Housing Open House. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at C. Burr Artz Public Library Community Room 110 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD
    • June 1 to August 14, 2025: Interviews with local and regional housing organizations. 
    • April 16 to May 16, 2025: Community housing survey. Closed.
    • January 22nd and 23rd, 2025 - Selected dates for the Community Input and Housing Education Meetings. To view the Community Input Stream visit: https://frederick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=59
    • November 19th, 2024 - Project launch date. Frederick County Division of Housing and TPMA began outlining timeline and key milestones for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

The study aims to evaluate current housing conditions, identify gaps in housing affordability and availability, and recommend strategies to meet the needs of current and future residents in Frederick County.

 

Housing is considered affordable when a household spends no more than 30% of its gross income on housing-related costs, including rent or mortgage, utilities, and taxes. When costs exceed this threshold, households may struggle to meet other basic needs. Thus, "affordable housing" serves residents across various income levels.

Affordable housing serves a broad range of individuals and families, including low- to moderate-income workers, seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, young adults entering the workforce, and others who are priced out of the private housing market.

Affordable housing supports a stable workforce, reduces homelessness, enhances economic mobility, and improves quality of life. It allows residents to live near work, school, and services, which strengthens neighborhoods and local economies.

The study reviews local data (such as housing costs, income levels, and demographic trends), identifies housing gaps across various income levels, and includes stakeholder interviews, surveys, and public input. It also assesses local policies, land use regulations, and funding tools that impact housing development.

The study itself will not directly result in housing development, but it will provide the evidence base for strategic decisions. Its findings may lead to new policies, funding priorities, or partnerships that help make new housing projects feasible.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate through public meetings, surveys, and other engagement opportunities offered as part of the study. Their feedback is critical to ensuring the recommendations reflect community needs and priorities.

The study is expected to be completed by Decemer 2025. Once finalized, findings will be shared through a public report, presentations to local leaders, and potentially a community open house or webinar.

The final report will include actionable recommendations to guide local policy, funding, and development efforts. It may also serve as a foundation for future housing plans, zoning changes, or grant applications.

Research consistently shows that well-managed affordable housing has no negative impact on property values or crime rates. In fact, affordable housing can enhance neighborhood stability and economic development when integrated thoughtfully.