Maryland Governor Moore Fast-Tracks Housing Construction Amid Shortage, Rejects National Guard Deployment in Baltimore
Governor Wes Moore's executive order addresses Maryland's 96,000-unit housing shortage while he and Baltimore officials resist federal National Guard deployment, highlighting critical infrastructure and public safety challenges.
Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order Wednesday to accelerate housing construction across Maryland, targeting a severe shortage of approximately 96,000 units driven by insufficient building over the past 15 years. The order emphasizes that affordable housing is crucial for wealth creation and job growth, with Moore stating, "If you want to create wealth, start with housing. If you want to create jobs, start with housing." This policy shift aims to mitigate what the order describes as an "imminent threat of widespread social and economic disruption" due to unaffordable options.
In a separate development, a judge denied U.S. Marshals protection for surveyors working on a controversial power line project in Carroll County, despite alleged threats to crews. The court cited limited resources of the U.S. Marshals Service, noting that circumstances do not currently warrant such accompaniment. This decision impacts PSEG Renewable Transmission's efforts to access private lands, potentially delaying infrastructure critical to energy reliability.
Governor Moore also addressed crime concerns in Baltimore, expressing willingness to accept federal assistance but explicitly rejecting National Guard troops as threatened by former President Donald Trump. Mayor Brandon Scott urged residents to defend the city calmly to avoid escalating tensions, while protests outside City Hall highlighted community opposition to military deployment. Experts warn that using troops in domestic cities like Baltimore and Chicago represents an unprecedented expansion of military power that could face legal challenges.
Additional state issues include Baltimore seeking a 16-year extension to eliminate sewer overflows polluting waterways, a $3.3 million payment to the state for closed schools, and rising electric rates prompting advocacy for consumer relief. Politically, Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. considers a gubernatorial run, criticizing party-switching candidates, while progressive groups endorse Will Jawando for Montgomery County Executive in 2026.