Overview
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was created in 1968 to consolidate local community development efforts with housing and building code enforcement. DHCD strengthens city neighborhoods by attracting investors, developers, and home buyers. The Department finances, and guides strategic development projects to meet housing and neighborhood needs.
Development Opportunities
Acquiring property from the City has never been easier. Whether you're a large-scale developer, a local community development corporation, a faith-based developer, or an individual homesteader, we encourage you to bid.
BuyIntoBmore is a new way for constituents and developers to invest in Baltimore City by creating a single access point to:
- Apply to purchase City-owned property through the open bid program
- Submit Request for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications
- Submit Expressions of Interest
- Apply to the City’s Vendor Lien program
- Acquire Tax Certificates for tax-delinquent properties
- Apply to adopt vacant lots through the Adopt A Lot program
- Apply for water access for community-managed open spaces
City Grant and Funding Opportunities
DHCD offers financial and programmatic support for projects, especially for community-based developers and developers interested in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Baltimore City.
Community Development Block Grants
CDBG is a HUD program designed to give local jurisdictions power to distribute federal funds directly to non-profit and public agencies that support housing and public-service programs. CDBG’s primary objective is to develop viable communities by providing low- to moderate-income families with decent, affordable housing and to expand local economic opportunities.
DHCD is the authorized representative for the City of Baltimore regarding the oversight and management of the CDBG Program.
DHCD envisions a city of thriving neighborhoods with housing opportunities for people of all income levels in a wide variety of communities. To support this vision, DHCD coordinates several programs that provide funding to developers committed to providing affordable housing in Baltimore City, including the HOME Investment Partnership Program, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Mayor Scott signed the City’s first Affordable Housing Tax Increment Funding (TIF) legislation into law In December 2024, providing up to $150 million over time to support neighborhood-based, block level redevelopment throughout the City’s historically disinvested communities. The Affordable housing TIF is part of a comprehensive vacancy reduction and community redevelopment initiative that focuses on long disinvested communities.
DHCD’s Community Catalyst Grants (CCG) program complements the Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund and supports locally-driven community development work through neighborhood-based partner organizations.