§ 4-1803

(a) A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:

(1) the local government has:

(i) a 5–year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or

(ii) a comprehensive plan;

(2) the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:

(i) have a workforce housing element;

(ii) assess workforce housing needs; and

(iii) contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and

(3) the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:

(i) a desire to participate in the Program; and

(ii) a reasonable expectation of the local government’s ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4–1804 of this subtitle.

(b) The workforce housing element in the 5–year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:

(1) preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;

(2) redevelopment of existing residential areas;

(3) streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;

(4) financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;

(5) special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;

(6) efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first–time homebuyers and renters;

(7) coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;

(8) coordination with private sector employers; and

(9) leveraging of federal financial assistance.