MJPA Meets with Governor Moore on Housing

The Maryland Just Power Alliance was pleased to meet with Governor Moore on Wednesday, Sept 3 to support his “Housing Starts Here” executive order, and to plan future collaboration with his administration. Over 60 leaders from ACT, AIM, and PATH showed up in Columbia to support the announcement.

Governor Moore’s executive order will encourage the construction of housing in Maryland by setting housing production targets, helping localities remove roadblocks to housing development, speeding up permitting, and using state-owned land for housing. These steps will help address the housing shortage in Maryland that is burdening families across the income spectrum.

Our powerful organizing in three counties and strong work in Annapolis supporting effective housing policies over the past two years has made an impression on Moore’s administration. 

Governor Moore invited twelve leaders from ACT, AIM, and PATH to meet with him for 40 minutes before the announcement, sharing personal stories on how the lack of affordable housing has affected them and their families. 

Governor Moore committed to maintaining a focus on affordable housing each year he is in office and said he would work with us on accomplishing this through supply, stability, and subsidy. 

He said he would meet with our organizations again to hear the results of our listening efforts. Read more about our listening campaign here.

We at the Maryland Just Power Alliance are well-positioned to make progress on housing through both our county-level organizing as ACT, AIM, and PATH and our state-level efforts. This executive order emphasizes that both are intertwined.

Pastor Tyrone Jones from PATH (First Baptist Church of Guilford) spoke at the announcement, saying:

“The affordable housing crisis is here in our state, and something has to be done to mitigate the problems for our seniors, for middle-aged blue-collar workers, for the young professional college graduates who want to stay in the state of Maryland… 

We are grateful today for the Governor’s leadership to remove unnecessary roadblocks to housing development. We’re excited for his executive order for the housing production standards based on where we have jobs in our state. We hope this tool will help us create the will for more housing where we need it most.”

Laura Salganik from PATH (Jewish Federation of Howard County) shared:

“I was impressed with the energy and speed with which the governor committed himself to work on housing. In addition, I was energized by the recognition that the Maryland Just Power Alliance received.”

Rev. Barbara Morton from PATH (First Baptist Church of Guilford) shared:

“I felt the Governor’s excitement and enthusiasm, especially when he said, ‘God’s grace cannot be contained by walls.’ I noticed that he was taking notes, which means he was listening and paying attention to the stories being told. I love his idea of a ‘Maryland running faster’ and being the model for the country. Overall, I think it was a good meeting. Let’s see how fast we can run!”

Shehlla Khan from PATH (Dar al-Taqwa) shared:

“Attending the meeting with Gov. Moore was both inspiring and enlightening. I appreciated Governor Moore’s commitment to affordable housing and his recognition of the Maryland Just Power Alliance’s advocacy. Twelve of our leaders shared personal housing stories, and with over 60 attendees rallying behind us, we are honored to be acknowledged and are ready to support and continue this critical work together!”

This meeting represents a key step of recognition for the Maryland Just Power Alliance that resulted from our powerful organizing and advocacy in our counties and the State House. Congratulations, team!

Read this Baltimore Banner article which mentions our presence at Governor Moore’s announcement.