AHCMC ANNOUNCES 2023 PRIORITIES

January 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2023


Contact: Stephanie Killian 

stephaniek@affordablehousingconference.org

(301) 520-1587


AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONFERENCE OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ANNOUNCES 2023 PRIORITIES


 AHCMC continues to support affordable housing through education and advocacy.


Rockville, Md. (January 24, 2023)—The Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County today announced its 2023 priorities that promote increased affordable housing production and preservation of existing affordable properties.


“This organization was formed 32 years ago to advocate for affordable housing, and the fight continues,” said AHCMC Co-Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman. “Montgomery County needs housing that is affordable as a part of Montgomery County’s Social Justice and Economic Development strategies,” she stated.


“Our priorities reflect current and growing affordable housing needs of too many Montgomery County residents,” AHCMC Co-Chair Ralph Bennett stated. Bennet continued, “Families need to have adequate housing to thrive.”


The following priorities will be discussed at the conference’s Winter 2023 Roundtable on February 22, 2023, and at the Annual Housing Summit to be held on May 5, 2023. Further information about both events can be found at www.affordablehousingconference.org.


AHCMC 2023 PRIORITIES


The Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County supports and advocates for actions that:


  1. Create opportunities for the public and elected officials to learn about, and advocate for, the need for affordable housing by facilitating the exchange of information, data, and facts about the community needs and benefits of more housing, especially affordable housing.
  2. Increase the number of rental housing units, especially affordable units, throughout Montgomery County, and preserve existing affordable housing.
  3. Encourage inclusive communities that have access to transportation, have a mixture of commercial and residential uses, and feature rental and for-sale housing for all income levels.
  4. Enhance regional partnerships to encourage housing and to promote equity in affordable housing.
  5. Increase homeownership opportunities for first-time and low-moderate income homebuyers, including assistance for tenant conversions and rights of first refusal.
  6. Protect and assist tenants through anti-gouging laws, strict housing code enforcement, eviction protection programs, financial counseling, and building communication between landlords and tenants.
  7. Promote the development of service-enriched housing, especially affordable housing, for seniors and for persons with disabilities.
  8. Continue to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, homelessness.


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