We wrote last issue about how tough it is for young families to afford Columbia — where the average homeowner now pays more than $3,000 a month and starter homes are nearly nonexistent. Turns out, Gov. Wes Moore is paying attention — not just to Columbia, but to the entire state.
His new executive order aims to “supercharge” housing production by cutting red tape, speeding up permits, and requiring every county and municipality to set clear housing targets. That includes Howard County and, yes, Columbia. A newly created state housing ombudsman will help push stalled projects forward and keep state agencies accountable.
Columbia, with its soaring home prices and limited starter stock, is exactly the kind of place this plan is trying to help. But no one’s pretending this will be quick. The state estimates it needs 96,000 homes now and nearly 600,000 by 2045. For communities like Columbia, the order could unlock more development — but only if local leaders play ball.
It’s not a silver bullet. But for a town designed to be inclusive, and now priced out for many, it’s a sign that Annapolis is finally trying to meet the moment.
