Category: Housing Page 1 of 2

At the December 9 City Council meeting, University of Maryland Urban Policy students will present research on housing policy best practices for balancing student rentals and owner occupancy through the PALS (Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability) Program. The presentation will address a long-standing issue in College Park: how a university-anchored city can accommodate student housing needs while also responding to concerns from long-term residents about neighborhood stability and quality of life.

College Park benefits from being home to a major public university, but that reality also brings very real policy trade-offs. Students need safe, affordable housing near campus. At the same time, many homeowners want predictable, stable neighborhoods and are concerned about the concentration of rental properties, property maintenance, and perceived subsidies tied to student housing. The presentation acknowledged these differing perspectives and avoided treating one interest as more legitimate than the other.

In their research, the students examined housing approaches used by other university communities, highlighting a range of tools—including zoning strategies, rental licensing programs, occupancy limits, enforcement mechanisms, and incentives for owner-occupied housing. They emphasized that policy choices have consequences, including cost impacts, enforcement challenges, and potential shifts in who benefits financially. In particular, the presentation raised questions about how cities can avoid unintended subsidies for any single group—students, landlords, or homeowners—while maintaining a functional housing market.

Rather than advocating for a single solution, the research focused on trade-offs. Stricter regulations may improve neighborhood stability but can increase housing costs or push demand elsewhere. More flexible rental policies may expand housing availability but can raise concerns for residents who prefer lower rental concentrations. The students stressed the importance of clarity in rules, consistent enforcement, and transparency about who bears the costs of various policy decisions.

This presentation is not a policy decision item, but an informational discussion intended to support future conversations. It provided a framework for evaluating options rather than promoting predetermined outcomes. That approach is essential in a community where reasonable people hold different views on student housing, subsidies, and neighborhood impacts.

I appreciate the thoughtful and data-driven work of the students and faculty involved. Their research contributes to a more informed discussion as the City continues to weigh housing policies that balance fairness, fiscal responsibility, and the diverse needs of College Park residents—both students and long-term homeowners.

At tomorrow’s City Council meeting, the College Park City Council is expected to approve the formation of an Affordable Housing Task Force—an important step toward addressing housing affordability in our city.

Housing affordability is a growing concern not just nationally, but right here in College Park. As housing costs continue to rise, many residents—especially families, students, and seniors—are feeling the squeeze. The Affordable Housing Task Force is being established to take a comprehensive look at the challenges and develop actionable strategies to ensure College Park remains a welcoming, inclusive, and affordable place to live for all.

The Task Force will be charged with studying current housing conditions in College Park. This includes an analysis of our housing stock—single-family homes, rentals, condos, duplexes, and more—as well as a review of housing costs and trends over the past two decades. It will also identify where gaps exist in affordability and availability, and project how these challenges may evolve over the next ten years.

In addition to identifying problems, the Task Force will look for solutions. It will research successful models from across the country and explore innovative ideas like accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and “missing middle” housing that could diversify our housing options. The ultimate goal is to bring forward clear, well-informed recommendations that can guide the City in its planning and policymaking.

The Task Force will be made up of 11 voting members, including representatives from each Council district, experts in housing and urban planning, community advocates, and a student liaison to ensure the voices of our younger residents are heard. The group is expected to deliver a final report by the end of this year.

While the City will provide staffing and administrative support, Task Force members will serve voluntarily. Modest costs may arise from research, public engagement, and consultation with experts.

College Park’s housing needs are diverse, and the solutions will require thoughtful input from a range of perspectives. The creation of this Task Force is a key part of the City’s broader commitment to equity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

If you’re interested in learning more about this initiative or how you can get involved, stay tuned to upcoming Council announcements and community outreach events. Let’s work together to build a College Park where everyone has a place to call home.

As part of College Park’s ongoing efforts to support residents and foster community growth, several homebuyer programs have been established to make homeownership more accessible and affordable. These programs are designed to encourage families and individuals to set down roots in our city while strengthening our neighborhoods. Below, we explore three programs designed to help make the dream of homeownership a reality in College Park.

1. City of College Park New Neighbor Homeownership Grant Program

The New Neighbor Homeownership Grant Program is a city initiative offering $5,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance. This program is targeted toward revitalizing neighborhoods by converting rental properties into owner-occupied homes and supporting the purchase of short sale or foreclosed properties. Additionally, this grant is available to purchasers of newly constructed detached single-family homes and specific eligible professionals.

Key Details:

• Eligibility:
  • Buyers of single-family homes rented for at least two years.
  • Buyers of homes under foreclosure or short sale status.
  • Buyers of newly constructed detached single-family homes.
  • City employees, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and bona fide members of volunteer fire departments purchasing any home in the city.
• Conditions:
  • The purchased property must serve as the primary residence for at least five years.
  • Grant recipients must sign a Declaration of Covenants and Conditional Repayment Agreement and maintain appropriate homeowner’s insurance.
  • The grant may be taxable income; applicants are encouraged to consult a tax advisor.
• Application Process:
  • Complete the grant application, submit the required documentation, and provide proof of eligibility at least two weeks before the settlement date.

For more details or to apply, contact Theresheia Williams at (240) 487-3538 or email twilliams@collegeparkmd.gov. More here.

2. Live and Work Program

The Live and Work Program, offered by the College Park City-University Partnership, provides up to $15,000 in forgivable loans to University of Maryland (UMD) and City of College Park employees to encourage homeownership within the city.

Key Details:

• Eligibility:
  • Full-time, benefits-eligible employees of UMD or the City of College Park.
  • Buyers must use the purchased property as their primary residence for at least 10 years to receive full loan forgiveness.
• Loan Use:
  • Funds can be used for down payment or closing costs.
  • Loans are forgivable at a rate of 10% per year, provided the buyer resides in the home and meets program requirements.
• Application Process:
  • Interested buyers must apply through the College Park City-University Partnership and submit all required documentation.

This program not only promotes homeownership but also strengthens ties between the University of Maryland and the College Park community, fostering a deeper connection and commitment to the area.

3. Community Preservation Trust Program

The Community Preservation Trust Program, based on the land trust model, provides long-term affordability for homeowners while promoting community stability. By utilizing the shared equity model, the program allows buyers to purchase homes at significantly reduced prices, making homeownership more accessible for middle-income households.

Key Details:

• How It Works:
  • The land trust retains ownership of the land, while the homebuyer purchases the home.
  • This structure reduces the upfront purchase price, as buyers are not paying for the land.
• Shared Equity Model:
  • Homeowners agree to share a portion of the equity with the trust upon resale, ensuring the home remains affordable for future buyers.
• Benefits:
  • Offers reduced costs for first-time buyers.
  • Preserves affordability for future generations.
  • Strengthens the community by encouraging long-term residency.

For more information about the Community Preservation Trust and how to apply, visit Community Preservation Trust.

Why Choose College Park?

With its exceptional schools, parks, community services, and a commitment to sustainable growth, College Park remains a desirable destination for homebuyers. These programs reflect the city’s dedication to building a vibrant and inclusive community.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more connected College Park!

At next week’s meeting, the Mayor and Council will receive the final report of the Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Subcommittee.

The Mayor and Council established the committee during a Council Meeting on July 11, 2023. Subcommittee members include the Mayor and one Councilmember from each district, along with student liaisons, representatives from the Housing Authority of the City of College Park, and City staff, who participate in meetings as non-voting members. The Subcommittee presented to the City Council on January 23, 2024, followed by a public Information Meeting on February 6, 2024.

Updates were provided during the March 5, 2024, Council Meeting. Written comments on the proposal were received and considered. The Subcommittee met on March 14 and March 28 to finalize their report to the Mayor and Council. This report outlines the structure and administration of a City rental assistance pilot program, proposing $1,500 grants for approximately 150 residents. It discusses eligibility criteria, application, and lottery selection processes, noting issues requiring further review and possible next steps.

The City Attorney has been consulted regarding the proposed pilot program and would review the process and requirements of any proposed rental assistance program if the Council decides to proceed.

The Subcommittee addressed challenging issues regarding rental assistance, providing general suggestions for the application, eligibility criteria, and lottery selection process, noting alternative approaches when committee members differed on certain issues.

At this week’s meeting, the Council will receive the presentation and will consider releasing the committee for its duties.

You can read the final committee report here: Need Based Student Subsidy Draft Final Report 4.5.24.

At this week’s Council meeting, we’ll discuss two important topics on the housing situation in College Park. In the two parts discussion, the City Council will look into the data on the single-family and rental homes and explore ways to preserve the neighborhood against the conversion of single-family homes into rental homes. Additionally, the Council will discuss how to increase the supply of affordable housing in the College Park

• Preserving Neighborhood – Single Family Vs Rental Homes

Many single-family neighborhoods in College Park have had comparatively high percentages of detached rental houses, particularly for local university students. Single-family Premium Erskineville Properties are attractive for student rentals due to the affordability and less restrictive environment compared to apartment buildings and on-campus dorms. Property owners of detached housing can generally obtain more total rent from four or five renters than they could obtain from a typical family.

Despite the addition of new apartment units off-campus and new dorms on-campus, the number of for-rent detached single-family homes has generally remained constant. In some neighborhoods, anecdotal evidence indicates that previously owner-occupied housing is being purchased by investors to offer for rent and that investors are out-bidding potential owner-occupants. You may also visit this website at https://www.multifamilydive.com/news/quarterra-living-exec-lennar-ashcroft-capital/715279/ for helpful insights.  The City Council and staff often receive complaints about noise and other disruptive issues with rental houses that code enforcement, contract police, and University police deal with on a regular basis.

• Exploring Affordable Housing:

The City Council has often asked about affordable housing units when evaluating residential development proposals, and the Council hears from students and other groups about the cost of rental housing in the City. This discussion will provide an opportunity for the Council to review general definitions of affordable housing which Home Nation is a part of, some data regarding housing and affordability in College Park and the region, and various strategies that could be used by the City, County, State, the Partnership, and the University to support housing affordability and also preserve homeownership. The Council will discuss various policy options for increasing the housing supply.

Towns and jurisdictions often use the number of housing units in different sections / areas within their towns when they analyze events (such as crime incidents) and discuss future policy decisions (such as adding future amenities etc.).  Recently, I came across the latest data on the apartments (student and multi-family) in the city. I combined that with the number of single-family homes in different neighborhoods and prepared this list.

The County has recently introduced the Purchase Assistance Program (PGCPAP), providing home purchase assistance to eligible first-time home buyers to purchase residential properties in the County. This assistance includes down payment, mortgage principal reduction, and/or closing costs. A team of seasoned real estate professionals, such as Tropic Residential, can help guide you through this program, ensuring you maximize your benefits and find the perfect home.

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Single family dwelling units, townhouses, and condominiums are eligible for assistance. Eligible properties include resale, foreclosures, short sales, and new construction. If you’re looking for a new home, you can look into homes for sale in Beaufort, SC.

The maximum loan amount is $15,000.00, with a purchase price limit: $462,000 (resale or new construction). Loan terms include 0% interest, deferred payment. Purchaser must pay back the loan in full when the home is sold, transferred or ceases to be the primary residence of the buyer(s) regardless of the length of residency. To learn more about bank loans and the requirements needed, you can visit a helpful site similar to beehive.org/rigby/.

If the buyer a police officer, a deputy sheriff, a classroom teacher, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician . or a nurse, they may be eligible for an additional $5,000 based on their need. This would bring the total loan amount to $20,000. If you’re looking for more ways to get yourself out of debt or loan, you can visit a site like https://www.debtconsolidation.com/how-to-get-out-of-debt/ for more info!

More about the application eligibility can be found here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2965/Purchase-Assistance-Program-PGCPAP. The application related documents for new homebuyers can be found here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2966/First-Time-Homebuyer-Documents

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Additionally, the City of College Park provides $5,000 grant for new homeowners in the city. More on the program can be found here: http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/government/planning/homeownership_grant_program.php

The College Park City University Partnership also provides $15,000 to the UMD staff towards the down payment or closing cost assistance for a home purchased anywhere in College Park. More here: https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/Planning/CPCUP_Home_ownership_program___guidelines_and_application.pdf

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