Jake Day – How Maryland Creates Loveable Places in Frederick and Beyond

Jake addresses housing affordability and community development in the state. He argues that creating “lovable places” is key to economic success and that Maryland must act decisively to retain its workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• The Crisis: Maryland is experiencing a housing shortage of approximately 100,000 units (31:49), leading to significant rent burdens and the loss of 40,000 people to neighboring states (7:26, 32:08).
  
• Local Lessons: Secretary Day shares his experience as the former mayor of Salisbury, where the city successfully increased housing production by streamlining permitting, waiving certain fees, and focusing on compact, walkable development (27:14-30:02).
  
• Statewide Strategy: The administration is focused on:
  • Starter and Silver Homes Act: Aims to reduce minimum lot sizes and allow for more diverse, smaller housing options (44:22).
  • Housing Certainty Act: Proposes to make Maryland an “early vesting” state to reduce permitting delays and uncertainty (46:59).
  • Executive Action: The “Housing Starts Here” executive order accelerates development on state-owned land and established local housing production targets (36:36).
    
• The Goal: The ultimate mission is to shift the “handshake” between government and residents to ensure that everyone who wants to call Maryland home has a place to do so (48:09).

Jake contrasts traditional incremental development with suburban sprawl—the section on the “Growth Ponzi Scheme.” This clip breaks down why cities struggle with infrastructure debt despite growing populations and introduces the financial trap of suburban expansion.

For a taste of the presentation view 33:14 – 35:14 minutes. Video link: https://youtu.be/7ltjA6IyQ7U?si=Mt5qDet7V3txANwJ

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