Innovative partnership develops award winning housing

Maryland's 'Partnership Rental Housing Program' engages state and local governments and housing authorities as developers and owners of affordable quality housing in the state. The program, managed by the Community Development Administration, has helped finance nearly 700 units in 26 developments since its inception in 1989. It serves low-income household members who are employed and those who have a fixed income, but cannot afford housing offered in the open market. One of the most important aspects of the program is required tenant participation, which commonly involves both community service and project maintenance. The initiative was cited by the National Council of State Housing Agencies as the most outstanding state rental housing production program of 1993.