Title
AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC LAND FIRST FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT for the purpose of providing for property acquisition and disposition powers; providing for the Public Land First requirement; providing for a standardized process for the Land Bank Authority to conduct affordability feasibility assessments prior to the sale or distribution of real property; and generally providing for publicly owned land to be considered for housing affordability.
Body
FOR USE BY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION:
Confidential: Yes / No
Requested by: Krystal Oriadha
Assigned to: Kathy Canning
Legislation Type: Bill
Need by Date: ASAP
Background Necessitating Legislation:
Prince George’s County faces ongoing challenges in preserving and expanding affordable housing opportunities. As land values increase and development pressures intensify, it is critical that County‑owned property be evaluated for its potential to support affordable housing before any sale, transfer, or alternative disposition occurs. Prioritizing the use of public land for affordable housing can significantly assist in meeting County‑wide goals related to housing availability, equity, and long‑term community stability.
Currently, there is no direct County policy requiring an affordability evaluation before County‑owned property is sold or transferred. While the County’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program helps preserve affordability in existing multifamily properties at the point of sale, no comparable mechanism exists to ensure that new development opportunities on publicly‑owned land fully consider housing affordability.
Establishing a “Public Land First” requirement would create a standardized process for the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to conduct affordability feasibility assessments prior to property disposition. This could be implemented through the County’s existing land bank authority and coordinated with CB‑065‑2024, which already addresses disposal and repurposing of County‑owned properties and may serve as an appropriate legislative vehicle or companion measure.
Special Instructions/Concerns/Time Critical Information:
Please assign to Kathleen Canning.
Agencies or Individuals to Contact:
• Prince George’s County Council Administration
• Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
• Any County agencies involved in property disposition or land bank operations
Comments/Notes:
Title
AN ACT concerning Public Land First for Affordable Housing Act for the purpose of providing for property acquisition and disposition powers; providing for the Public Land First requirement; providing for a standardized process for the Land Bank Authority to conduct affordability feasibility assessments prior to the sale or distribution of real property; and generally providing for publicly owned land to be considered for housing affordability.
DRAFTER PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Proposer(s): Chair Oriadha
Background
(Offical Legislative Background Information for Agenda Item Summary)
This bill is known as the Public Land First for Affordable Housing Act and provides for the "Public Land First " requirement which creates a standardized process for the Land Bank Authority to conduct affordability feasibility assessments prior to the sale or distribution of real property. This requirement provides for publicly owned land to be considered for housing affordability.
REMINDER: Attach the Legislative file document