In Howard County today, nearly 60% of rental units are affordable only for those earning the highest levels of income and more than 5,000 families are seeking affordable housing in the county that does not currently exist.

While most of us agree that affordable housing is a good and right thing, the same leaders and residents who extoll the virtues of inclusive communities worry about changes to the character of neighborhoods, the prospect of lower home values, congestion and crowding in schools when faced with nearby proposals. Yet, the harmful effects of economic segregation on our society are proven and profound.

People who come here to work should be able to find place to live that they can afford, but housing in Howard County is not affordable for people with good jobs like teachers, firemen, service workers, government employees, disabled veterans and recent college graduates.

Seniors who raised their families here shouldn’t have to worry about living comfortably in retirement. Teachers should be able to afford a home near the school in which they teach. Veterans who spent careers serving at Ft. Meade shouldn't worry about whether or not they can afford their homes. But the voices of a few existing homeowners who want to preserve the status quo – and the leaders who listen - often drown out those of newcomers, young adults, seniors, service workers, teachers and renters who need housing.
 
While cities and counties across the nation struggle with the challenges inherent to providing access to affordable housing – the availability of land and the willingness of banks to finance these projects during COVID-19 among them – we in Howard County, if our leaders allow it, are fortunate to have opportunities for increased supply.
 
We must employ a more inclusive approach to providing housing for people of all incomes, ages and demographic groups in Howard County. Carried out responsibility and equitably, the shared benefits of fully integrated communities have important, positive impacts on the health and wealth of our communities.
 
We can make a difference.
 
The first step towards better policy and progress is identifying and calling out the systems that perpetuate economic segregation.
 
Our systems and policies should match our values. Stand up for affordable housing in Howard County.
 
We can make real, transformative change by shifting one vote – one decision – one microaggression at a time. We must pay attention to – and speak up when - systems and policies are counter to our values and the best interests of our communities. When we recognize the actions of our leaders on issues that reduce access to affordable housing – that reflect deference to the voices of small groups who want to preserve the status quo over the character of our communities – we must stand up and make our voices heard.
 
Together, we can protect and strengthen our Common Ground. Sign the petition and call on our leaders to support affordable housing in Howard County.