TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND

BILL 72-24: AN ORDINANCE concerning: Finance, Taxation, and Budget – Public Works - Subdivision and Development – Zoning – Housing Attainability Act of 2024

POSITION: Support

BY: Abby Root, League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

DATE: October 7, 2024

Good evening. My name is Abby Root, 1336 Chicory Way, Odenton, representing the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County

The League supports Bill 72-24.

Housing, a basic human need, is the single largest expenditure in most family budgets.

The League’s support of bill 72-24 is based on its affordable housing and planning and zoning positions, to “promote and pursue balanced development that will have maximum long-term benefit to employment and the tax base including provision of opportunity for affordable housing by increasing housing opportunities for people of low or moderate income.”

Much of the public sector workforce in Anne Arundel County, including health care workers, first responders, and teachers in the early years of their careers, often commute to work from other counties where housing costs are lower. The choice between high housing costs and long commutes is often a contributing factor to high turnover in the workforce.

If these workers are able to afford to live in the county, they will become an integral part of the community, spending their wages here. They will go to local healthcare providers, their children will attend school here, participate in sports and other after-school activities.  It will be easier for the parents to attend these events. 

Moderately Priced Dwelling Units have worked well in other jurisdictions by  providing low- or moderate-income county workers  access to quality housing at a cost that is affordable as well as  encouraging economic and racial integration.

The League urges the Council to vote in favor of Bill 72-24. Thank you.