We achieved a major victory for Attainable Housing this month! Here’s a recap of our recent work and a look ahead:
- Attainable Housing Victory
- Statewide Action (November 17)
- Staff Update
- Rev. Allen’s Retirement
1. ACT Countywide Meeting
Congratulations, ACT! On Monday, October 7th, after our many months of organizing, the Anne Arundel County Council voted to pass the Attainable Housing Act!
This policy will require new housing developments to set aside 10 to 15% of units for people with moderate incomes. Not only that, but it will expand the types of housing that can be built in different regions of the county, including duplexes and townhomes, to provide more reasonably priced housing options.
This new law is a huge win for making housing more affordable for our families, seniors, essential workers, and young people, and building a community where we can all thrive.
Getting this bill passed despite opposition was a major effort, and it would not have happened without ACT. In November 2023, we had a turnout of 450 people to support the first round of the bill. Once the first bill failed to pass, we made sure the council introduced a new version this year. Our 200-person action on April 30th and countless meetings and emails kept up the pressure on the County Council to introduce and pass this improved version of the bill. On October 7th, 72 ACT members showed up with yellow T-shirts to support its passage.
Great work for making this victory happen! Stay tuned for a date for our celebration & evaluation potluck.
2. Statewide Action November 17
We’re gearing up for our Statewide Action on November 17th from 3:00–5:00 pm at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia!
Together as ACT, AIM, and PATH, we are bringing 500+ people to meet with our state legislators, Maryland Secretary of Housing, and Comptroller to put forth our agenda for the 2025 legislative session. We’ll call on our state leaders to help us achieve our priorities, including:
- Diverse, attainable housing options
- Renters’ rights
- Clean energy for healthy communities
- Pre-K for every child
Help us show our power to make change statewide! Please register here and invite your congregation or community:
3. We’re Hiring
Katie Zinler, our Lead Organizer, will be transitioning out of her role in January. She will be stepping into a new role and will still be involved with ACT.
ACT is hiring a new Community Organizer! If you know anyone who is community-minded with great people skills, please encourage them to apply. Prior organizing experience is not required.
4. Rev. Allen’s Retirement
It is bittersweet for us to share that Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen is retiring next year. Rev. Allen is the pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church and a beloved leader on the ACT Strategy Team. Please save the date for her retirement reception.
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen’s Retirement Reception
Sunday, May 4th, 2025, 4–6 pm
The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers, 610 N Bestgate Road, Annapolis
Reception tickets will go on sale at a later date.