DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

FUNCTIONS

100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland, February 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Housing and Community Development is chief executive officer of the Department. The Secretary sets policy, promulgates rules and regulations, and determines the strategies to fulfill the Department's mandate. The Secretary is responsible for the budget of the Department and the budgets of the boards, commissions, and offices under its jurisdiction (Code, Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 2-103, 2-104).

The Secretary chairs the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council and the Commission on Crossroads Development. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Base Realignment and Closure Subcabinet; and the Smart Growth Subcabinet. In addition, the Secretary is a member of the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust; the Interagency Committee on Aging Services; the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Board; the State Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council; the Climate Change Commission; the Maryland Communities for a Lifetime Commission; the Interagency Disabilities Board; the Maryland State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council; the Maryland Green Building Council; the Maryland Green Jobs and Industry Task Force; the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority; the Maryland Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; the Governor's Interagency Council on Homelessness; the State Coordinating Committee for Human Services Transportation; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Council for New Americans; the Rural Maryland Council; and the State Center Executive Committee.

The Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Secretary. The Deputy Secretary is appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor.

CHIEF OF STAFF

Under the Office of Secretary, the Chief of Staff is responsible for five offices: Communications and Marketing ; Fair Practices; Human Resources; Legislative Affairs; and Policy, Planning, and Research.

OFFICE OF POLICY, PLANNING, & RESEARCH
The Office of Policy, Planning, and Research began as the Office of Research when the Department of Economic and Community Development formed in 1970. The Office joined the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987. In 1995, it became the Office of Policy Analysis and Commission Support; in 1996, the Office of Research; and in 1997, Research and Statistics. By 2003, it reformed as Research and, in 2007, as the Office of Research. In July 2008, it reorganized under its present name.

This office analyzes policy issues and develops legislative initiatives. It helps develop Department databases and geographic information systems for policy reporting. The office also prepares the Consolidated Plan (for housing and economic and community development) required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Plan's annual updates, performance reports, and fair housing strategy.

DIVISION OF CREDIT ASSURANCE

The Division of Credit Assurance started as the Division of Housing Insurance in 1987. Renamed the Division of Housing Credit Assurance in 1990 (Chapter 321, Acts of 1990), it received its present name in 1996. The Division is responsible for the Maryland Housing Fund and asset management for the multi-family loan portfolio of the Department (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-104).

MARYLAND HOUSING FUND

ASSET MANAGEMENT

Asset Management began as Housing Management in the Community Development Administration. Renamed Asset Management, it transferred to the Division of Housing Credit Assurance in May 1994 and to the Division of Credit Assurance in 1996. Its functions reformed under Multifamily Asset Management in 1998. Reorganization in 2003 created Asset Management overseeing Single-Family Operations, and Multifamily Operations (now Special Assets).

Asset Management monitors and manages the Department's multifamily portfolio, including State-funded loans and bond loans insured by the Maryland Housing Fund, the Federal Housing Authority, and others. To oversee the portfolio, the unit uses automated databases, standardized procedures, and early warning indicators. The database also provides a means of monitoring performance trends of the portfolio as a whole.

SINGLE-FAMILY OPERATIONS
Single-Family Operations began as Single-Family Programs, and received its present name in 1998. This office oversees four programs: the Pool Insurance Program, the Public Mortgage Single-Family Program, the Regular Mortgage Insurance Program, and the Revitalization Program.

Pool Insurance Program. This program offers insurance covering up to 100 percent of the loss on mortgages where there is primary coverage. The aggregate amount payable under this coverage is an agreed percentage (usually 5 to 10 percent) of the initial principal amount of mortgages financed through a revenue bond series. The Maryland Housing Fund provides pool insurance for revenue bonds issued by the Community Development Administration and other housing agencies.

Public Mortgage Single-Family Program. The Program offers primary insurance coverage on mortgages of up to 100 percent loan-to-value ratios financed by revenue bond-funded direct mortgages or mortgage purchase programs of a public agency mortgagee. The insurance is governed by the Regular Mortgage Insurance Program regulations, with modifications.

Regular Mortgage Insurance Program. Primary insurance coverage on mortgages of up to 100 percent loan-to-value ratios is offered by this program on terms provided by major financial institutions. Mortgage insurance premiums are comparable to those charged by private mortgage insurers. This program is approved by the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Revitalization Program. The Program provides opportunities to lower the risk of lending by using Maryland Housing Fund insurance to stimulate the flow of private mortgage capital into areas where home ownership has declined. In addition, the Program makes home ownership possible for those without the resources for property repairs and closing costs, which otherwise would be required. The borrower must make a minimum cash contribution (at least $500) based on household income. Currently, there is a risk-sharing requirement for lenders participating in this program.

SPECIAL ASSETS
Special Assets began as Multifamily Programs, reformed as Multifamily Asset Management in 1998, and became Multifamily Operations in 2003. The office reorganized as Special Assets in April 2005. Special Assets provides longer mortgage terms than are generally available; reduces monthly payments for the tenant; and enables higher loan-to-value ratio mortgages for borrowers. Programs include construction loans and permanent loans.

Construction Loans insure mortgages to nonprofit and qualified private developers of new or rehabilitated housing for families and individuals, the elderly and the disabled. Only in combination with permanent mortgage financing are construction loans insured. The Maryland Housing Fund is the only insurer of construction loans in the State, other than the Federal Housing Administration.

Permanent Loans insure permanent mortgages to nonprofit and qualified private developers of new or rehabilitated housing. Permanent mortgage insurance is provided to multifamily projects for new construction and rehabilitation, projects receiving federal subsidies, and market-rate projects financed by eligible issuers of revenue bonds.

Portfolio Management began in 1994 under the Maryland Housing Fund and became part of the Division of Information Technology and Portfolio Management in 1996. Functions of the office were returned to the Maryland Housing Fund in 1998. For the Maryland Housing Fund, the office focuses on risk management, and analysis and planning to better position the Fund's portfolio for the future. The office has helped increase reserve funds through loan and mortgage insurance initiatives.

Special Housing Opportunities Program (SHOP) Loans provide mortgage insurance to encourage the availability of financing to nonprofit agencies for group homes to house those with special needs, including the elderly, and the developmentally and mentally challenged. Mortgage loans finance acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction; or refinance existing private mortgages. The Community Development Administration is the lender for these programs.

BUILDING CODES ADMINISTRATION
Functions of the Building Codes Administration began with the Code Enforcement Certification Board in 1971. Within the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Board became the Division of Building Codes Administration by 1975. Two years later, the Division was renamed the Codes Administration. When the Department of Housing and Community Development formed in 1987, the Administration reorganized as the Building Codes Administration under the Division of Community Assistance. In 1996, the Administration transferred to the Division of Credit Assurance.

The Administration works with local governments, design professionals, and code inspectors to guarantee that the highest performance standards are met in building construction. Enforcement of the Industrialized Buildings and Mobile Home Regulations, the Model Performance Building Code, the Maryland Accessibility Code, the Maryland Safety Glazing Law, and Maryland Energy Conservation Building Standards are the responsiblity of the Administration.

Industrialized Building Program. Established in 1971, the Program offers certification standards for any building, building subsystem, or component that is manufactured and assembled off-site (Chapter 662, Acts of 1971). The Program encourages the growth of industrialized building construction by using preemptive uniform statewide codes and standards. Building systems that are certified by the State can be used or erected anywhere in Maryland without having to comply with different local building codes, as long as they comply with local zoning laws. The Building Codes Administration also inspects mobile homes to resolve consumer complaints and enforces the standard of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 12-301 through 12-313).

The Model Performance Building Code was adopted in 1971 (Chapter 663, Acts of 1971). Based on the National Building Code of the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), the State's Model Performance Building Code was intended by the General Assembly eventually to be adopted statewide so builders might adapt their construction practices to a single set of modern, performance-oriented standards. Compliance with that code was voluntary.

In 1993, mandatory standards - the Maryland Building Performance Standards - were enacted by the General Assembly (Chapter 200, Acts of 1993). Also based on the most recent edition of the National Building Code issued by BOCA, these standards apply to all construction permits issued on or after August 1, 1995, with two exceptions. Counties or municipalities lacking any building code had to comply by 1997; those that adopted the Standard Building Code of the Southern Building Code Congress, Inc., by 1999. Local jurisdictions may amend the Maryland Building Performance Standards to meet local needs. A central, automated database that includes the Maryland Building Performance Standards, local amendments, the State Fire Prevention Code, local fire codes, all fire code amendments, and proposed State or federal legislation that directly affects the building industry is maintained by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Provisions to promote energy conservation in building construction were established by the Maryland Energy Conservation Building Standards Act in 1981 (Code Public Utility Companies Article, secs. 7-401 through 7-408).

The Building Codes Administration administers the Safety Glazing Law (Chapter 116, Acts of 1973). The law requires the use of safety glazing in certain locations for new buildings (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 12-401 through 12-407).

MARYLAND BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE PROGRAM
c/o Maryland Revitalization Center, Suite D, 1201 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21223

The Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code encourages and facilitates rehabilitation of buildings by reducing costs of and constraints on rehabilitation resulting from existing procedures and standards (Code, Public Safety Article, secs. 12-1001 through 12-1007). This program was initiated in July 2000 following passage of Chapter 206, Acts of 2000. That law authorized the Department of Housing and Community Development to adopt by regulation the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code in cooperation with the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council, the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, and the State Fire Marshal. The Department of Housing and Community Development submitted proposed regulations for the Code to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review in December 2000. The regulations went into effect June 1, 2001. In April 2006, the Program and the Advisory Council transferred to the Building Codes Administration.

The Program is aided by the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council.

MARYLAND BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code Advisory Council was authorized in July 2000 (Chapter 206, Acts of 2000). The Council advises the Department on the development, adoption, and revisions to the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code. Technical advice on the interpretation of the Code is provided by the Council to property owners, design professionals, contractors, local officials, and local code appeal boards.

The Council has twenty-seven members. Of these, twenty-two are appointed by the Governor, and five serve ex officio. The Secretary of Housing and Community Development appoints the Director (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 12-1003).

DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

The Division of Development Finance began in 1987 as the Division of Housing Finance (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). In 1995, it received its present name (Chapter 115, Acts of 1995). The Division consists of the Community Development Administration, which operates finance programs for single- and multi-family housing with the proceeds of revenue bonds issued by the Administration. The Division runs other State housing programs as well (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-103).

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Administration works to increase the supply of housing for families of limited income, the elderly, and the disabled. It also fosters sound community development and stimulates the construction industry statewide. Programs that increase home ownership, improve rental housing, build group homes, and assist owners with rehabilitated housing are overseen by the Administration. Programs are funded by the sale of tax-exempt revenue bonds; taxable bonds; State general obligation bonds; general funds; special funds generated through loan repayments, fees, and charges; and federal housing subsidies. The Administration also issues essential function bonds for the Local Government Infrastructure Program.

Projects proposed for financial assistance must comply with local priorities and complement and supplement local community development programs and initiatives. Projects also must meet eligibility criteria and financing requirements (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-201 through 4-216).

HOUSING FINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE
In 1983, the Housing Finance Review Committee was created (Chapter 668, Acts of 1983). The Committee reviews specific loan requests or categories of loan requests, and the investment and project financing policies of the Division of Development Finance. After review, the Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary of Housing and Community Development.

Appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, the Committee is composed of seven members (Code Housing & Community Development Article, sec. 4-208).

MARYLAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust was constituted in 1992 to enhance the availability of affordable housing throughout the State (Chapter 265, Acts of 1992). A public instrumentality of the State, the Trust may receive monies for investment in the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Fund. From this Fund, the Trust may make awards to support acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable housing; efforts of nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing; and operating expenses of housing developments with affordable housing.

The Trust consists of fourteen members. Eleven voting members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Three nonvoting members include the Secretary of Housing and Community Development; a senator appointed by the Senate President; and a delegate chosen by the House Speaker (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 10-101 through 10-301).

BOND FINANCE

MULTIFAMILY HOUSING PROGRAMS

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Eleven programs come under Housing Development. They include the Elderly Rental Housing Program, the HOME Program, the Local Government Infrastructure Program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program - Multi-Family, the Multi-Family Bond Program, the Nonprofit Rehabilitation Program, the Partnership Rental Housing Program, the Rental Housing Production Program, the Shelter I Program, and the Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelter Program.

Elderly Rental Housing Program. This program was created by the Legislature in 1984. The Program provides below-market-rate or deferred payment loans to developers who agree to construct or rehabilitate rental housing for occupancy by low-income elderly households. Priority is given to developments that serve the lowest income households.

HOME Program. The Program finances construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of rental housing, owner-occupied housing, and special needs housing, such as group homes. The Program was designated by the Governor to allocate funds from the HOME Investment Partnership Program established by the federal National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (Title II). HOME funds are used in conjunction with the Homeownership, Housing Development and Special Loan Programs of the Community Development Administration. Projects funded must meet federal HOME regulations. For HOME funds used in conjunction with the Community Development Administration, projects must qualify for the Community Development Administration program. Some funds are allocated to an Opportunities Fund awarded competitively to initiate pilot programs, and support promising projects. Monies from the Opportunities Fund are awarded to projects that neither qualify for nor need funds from other programs of the Community Development Administration, or to those which the Administration, as a matter of policy, has elected not to fund under its existing program.

Local Government Infrastructure Program. This program began as the Local Government Infrastructure Financing Program under the Division of Community Assistance. In 1994, the Program became the Office of Community Assistance and received its present name in 1996. The Program helps local governments access capital markets to finance or refinance improvements to infrastructure. On behalf of local government agencies, bonds are issued to fund projects which provide or improve the physical elements of the public service system. Projects may include improvements to roads, water and sewer systems, parks, public buildings, and other local priorities. The State does not guarantee the bonds.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The Governor designated this program to allocate tax credits in Maryland under the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 and Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989. Tax credits are awarded through a competitive allocation to both nonprofit and for-profit sponsors of low-income housing.

Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program - Multi-Family. The Program is designed to preserve housing by making direct, low-interest loans for repair and renovation to the owners of apartment buildings with five or more units and commercial properties. Recipients of loans for the renovation of rental properties must make units available to low-income tenants in the same proportion as Program financing to total project costs. Authorized by the General Assembly in 1975, the Program is funded by State general obligation bonds, general funds, and by repayments of principal and interest on outstanding loans (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-901 through 4-932).

Nonprofit Rehabilitation Program. Formed by the General Assembly in 1986, the Program makes loans to nonprofit organizations and local governments. Its purpose is to rehabilitate buildings for rental housing, congregate housing, group homes, shelters, and other housing facilities that serve low-income households (Code Housing & Community Development Article, sec. 4-929).

RENTAL SERVICE
Under the Community Development Administration, Rental Service provides rental assistance with federal and State funds to low-income families for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Federal rental assistance comes to the State through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Federal Housing Act of 1937 (42 USC 1437, as amended). The office monitors compliance with legal mandates of all rental developments financed with Community Development Administration loans and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Rental Service Programs includes the Rental Allowance Program, and the Section-8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Rental Allowance Program. Created by the General Assembly in 1986, this program was first funded in 1987. For low-income homeless households or those with critical or emergency housing needs, the Program subsidizes rent for short terms. The Program is administered through grants to local governments for monthly payments to eligible households. Funding is provided through State general funds (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-1401 through 4-1408).

Section-8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Under the Program, participating landlords make available to low-income families rental housing that meets occupancy standards. To qualify, total family income must be 50 percent or less of the median income for the area in which the housing is located. Through local administering agencies, the Community Development Administration accepts and reviews applications from prospective tenants for participation in the program. Families that qualify are issued Certificates of Family Participation.

The Community Development Administration or the local administering agency guarantees payments to owners who agree to rent to qualifying families. The housing and lease must adhere to federal standards. Through the Community Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development subsidizes a portion of the rent. Families may seek rental housing in neighborhoods that best suit their needs.

Under the Voucher Program, rent is established according to a local payment standard. If the rent exceeds the standard rate for that area, tenants may pay no more than 40 percent of their adjusted monthly income.

SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAMS

HOME OWNERSHIP
Home Ownership includes five programs: the Maryland Mortgage Program, the Maryland Home Financing Program, the Live Near Your Work Program, the Reverse Equity Mortgage Program, and the Settlement Expense Loan Program.

Maryland Mortgage Program (More House 4 Less). This program originated in 1980 as the Mortgage Purchase Program and received its present name in July 1987. The Program was implemented when mortgage funds available through private lending institutions dwindled and mortgage rates rose. Designed primarily for first-time home buyers, the Program provides reduced-interest mortgage loans to eligible home buyers through participating lending institutions. In this program, the Administration provides mortgage loans directly to eligible low- and moderate-income persons, or purchases loans made for them by participating lending institutions. Both newly constructed and existing homes are eligible under the Maryland Mortgage Program. Federal law designates certain low-income areas as target areas for which 20 percent of the funds from bond issues must be set aside. In these areas, purchase price limits are slightly higher and buyers are not required to be first-time home buyers.

Using Maryland Mortgage Program funds, the Administration also provides commitments to developers of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units for set-asides of mortgage funds for eligible buyers. Projects must have approval from the local government entity. To be eligible, project units must meet the acquisition cost limit for the region.

The Maryland Mortgage Program is funded by the sale of tax-exempt revenue bonds. Both the acquisition cost and income limits are set by the Administration within federal tax law guidelines. Acquisition costs vary by region.

Maryland Home Financing Program. Authorized by the General Assembly in 1972, this program was first funded with the sale of State general obligation bonds in 1973. This direct-loan program expands home ownership opportunities for low-income Marylanders. By virtue of its funding source - General Fund appropriations, and a revolving fund from prior loans under the Program - it differs from the other single-family programs. Loans have been made in every county and Baltimore City (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-801 through 4-816; Code Financial Institutions Article, sec. 13-310).

By providing below market loans targeted at households with annual income under $27,650, the Maryland Home Financing Program also stimulates the production and rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing. The Administration encourages local governments and nonprofit organizations to contribute local resources for developments funded through this program.

Live Near Your Work Program. In July 1997, the Program was instituted. A partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development, local governments, and Maryland's business community, the Program provides a cash incentive for employees to buy homes near their work in neighborhoods designated for revitalization (Code Housing & Community Development Article, sec. 4-215).

Reverse Equity Mortgage Program. Started by the General Assembly in 1986, this program was first funded in 1988 through reserve funds of the Community Development Administration. The Program enables older Maryland home owners to gain access to the accumulated equity in their homes without having to sell or move. No repayment of the loan is required until the eligible borrower dies, sells the house, or permanently moves out of the home.

Settlement Expense Loan Program. Begun by the General Assembly in 1988, the Program provides low interest loans for settlement expenses to eligible low- and moderate-income home buyers who do not have sufficient resources to purchase an affordable home (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-301 through 4-309).

SPECIAL LOANS
In 1986, the General Assembly created special rehabilitation programs to address the housing needs of low-income households. With State general funds, these programs provide low-interest, no-interest or deferred loans for 20-year terms.

Accessory, Shared, and Sheltered Housing Program. This program provides loans to limited-income home owners for housing modifications that create accessory dwelling units or provide for shared housing. Home owners also may receive loans to modify housing as sheltered housing for up to fifteen senior citizens or persons with disabilities who meet income-eligibility requirements.

Group Home Financing Program. Authorized by the General Assembly in 1986 as the Group Home Acquisition Program, the Program received its present name in 1995. With special funds, the Program finances nonprofit organizations to acquire and modify housing for group homes and temporary and emergency shelters serving low-income persons.

Limited-income home owners and landlords of rental properties who rent to limited-income households may qualify for loans or grants under two programs. Loans and grants through the Lead Hazard Reduction Loan and Grant Program finance hazard reduction in residential buildings and buildings that provide services to children. The Indoor Plumbing Program provides loans to finance indoor plumbing and related systems in buildings that lack indoor plumbing or have failing plumbing systems.

Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program - Single Family. This program preserves owner-occupied one- to four-unit dwellings by making low-interest loans for repair and renovation. Owner-occupants and tenants of rental properties must meet income guidelines set by the Secretary of Housing and Community Development. The Program is administered under the same funding as the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Programs - Special Assets (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 4-901 through 4-933).

Operating Assistance Grant Demonstration Projects. Started in April 1991, these projects promote the development and improvement of low-income housing and, through operating assistance grants, enable nonprofit organizations to provide it (COMAR Title 5, subtitle 11).

Weatherization Assistance Program. Formerly under the Department of Human Resources, this program became part of the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). The Program funds local community service organizations to help eligible low-income households conserve energy by weatherizing their houses. Priority is given to homeowners who are elderly, disabled, or have children, and renters also may apply. The Program contracts with seventeen local administering agencies (county governments, community action agencies, offices on aging, and nonprofit organizations) to provide weatherization assistance statewide.

Since 1991, Weatherization Assistance has entered into agreements with major utility companies in Maryland to promote energy conservation through weatherization in low-income households. By joining these private funds with federal funds, more low-income households can be served.

DIVISION OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

The Division of Finance and Administration began as the Division of Finance and received its present name in 1992. The Community Development Administration, the Maryland Housing Fund, and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the Department transferred to the Division in 1994.

Advice and technical support in fiscal matters is provided by the Division to the Department's senior program directors and managers. The Division accounts for Department expenditures and revenues; manages the capital and operating budgets; processes contracts, purchasing and procurement requests; and provides financial analytical review and reporting services. For the Department, the Division oversees financial management and central support services, including telecommunication systems, and facilities and fleet management.

Six offices are overseen by the Division: Accounting; Budget; Facilities and Fleet Management Services; Maryland Housing Fund Finance and Loan Accounting; Procurement; and Systems Analysis and Reporting.

DIVISION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

As the Office of Data Processing under the Division of Finance and Administration, the Division of Information Technology originated in 1985. It became the Office of Research and Information Systems under the Office of Secretary in 1988. Renamed Office of Information Systems in 1994, the Office reorganized as the Division of Information Technology and Portfolio Management in 1996, and under its present name in 1998.

DIVISION OF NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

The Division of Neighborhood Revitalization started as the Office of Neighborhood Revitalization in 1995 and received its present name in 1996. The Division provides technical assistance, as well as grants and loans, to local governments, small developers, and nonprofit organizations. This aid helps secure and preserve affordable housing and provide community services to Marylanders of low and moderate income (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 6-101 through 6-103).

Division programs are administered through two offices: Administration and Policy; and Community Programs.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
This program began in December 1996. For housing rehabilitation, commercial revitalization, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and public services, the Program provides grants to rural local governments. It assists low- and moderate-income households, removes slums and blight, and promotes State and local partnerships for development and revitalization.

COMMUNITY FOOD & NUTRITION PROGRAM
To alleviate hunger in Maryland, the Office also provides grants through this federal program to agencies that operate nutrition programs.

COMMUNITY LEGACY PROGRAM
Meant to complement existing programs, the Community Legacy Program funds comprehensive revitalization projects in communities that can demonstrate both evidence of decline and signs of strength. Sponsors, such as a local government, a group of local governments, or a community development organization, apply to the Department for financial assistance. Applications include a comprehensive revitalization plan designed to meet the needs and resources of the community to be revitalized (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 6-201 through 6-213).

COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Formerly in the Department of Human Resources, the Program moved to the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987. Grants are awarded for administration and programs to local agencies that serve the poor. These funds currently are allocated to seventeen community action agencies and two limited-purpose agencies operating in the State.

EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM
For local governments and community action agencies, this program provides federal funds to support emergency and transitional homeless shelters and services for persons without housing.

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSWORKS PROGRAM
Created in 1995, the Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program originated as the Neighborhood Business Development Program. The Program stimulates investment in Maryland's older communities. It aids designated neighborhoods to develop, redevelop, or expand small businesses, invests in revitalizing small businesses, and helps local governments develop and expand small businesses (Code Housing & Community Development Article, secs. 6-301 through 6-311).

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