Applications for Funding Opportunities Open September 19

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, September 10, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the first application round for the City-Wide Affordable Housing TIF Funds to support the redevelopment of vacant properties throughout Baltimore City. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing tool used by local governments to encourage development and redevelopment in underutilized or distressed areas. The application and program guidelines will be available on DHCD's website.

"My administration is taking on a challenge that's been ignored for generations - vacant housing - delivering $3 billion to end this crisis for good within 15 years," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "This is a critical component of solving this challenge. Using these funds in our neighborhoods that have been disinvested in for decades will increase homeownership while preserving communities. It will take all of us working together to get there."

The City-Wide Affordable Housing TIF is one of the first non-contiguous TIF Districts in the country. It is also one of the first to target funds to build the local economy by directing funds to small and emerging developers, community development partners, and individuals combatting vacants.

The application period will officially open on September 19. The public is encouraged to attend a series of virtual information sessions about the program. The sessions will explain how the program works, who can apply, and how the funds will help reduce vacant properties within the City's Affordable Housing TIF District.

Information Session Details:

What:

Virtual information sessions about the Affordable Housing TIF Program

When:

Monday, September 15, 2025 - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 5:30 p.m.

Where:

Online (virtual sessions). Register at https://bit.ly/TIFInfoSession

Who Should Attend:

Developers, community-based organizations, legacy residents, property owners within the TIF District, and stakeholders interested in neighborhood revitalization.

About the Affordable Housing TIF Program:

• Purpose: Provides up to $150 million in bond proceeds that will be made available through multiple application rounds. These proceeds will support neighborhood-based, block-level redevelopment in Baltimore's historically disinvested communities.
• Eligible activities: This round supports the redevelopment of vacant buildings for residential use. Funds are limited to properties within the City-Wide Affordable Housing TIF District.
• Funding model: TIF funds will be provided as grants with no repayment requirement to help reduce appraisal gaps, accelerate development, and create and preserve affordability.

"This is a clear pathway to stabilize neighborhoods, improve housing options, and grow local wealth through homeownership and job-creating development," said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy. "This strategic, city-led investment, is aimed at transforming vacant properties into vibrant homes and communities."

"Bringing potentially hundreds of vacant properties back into productive use will provide much needed revenue by increasing the City's tax base," said Finance Director Michael Mocksten. "More importantly, our residents will benefit from the generational wealth that we anticipate will be created from increased housing values."

Visit dhcd.baltimorecity.gov for more information.