Housing

In the spirit of dialogue, the forum was not a debate but rather a chance for each candidate to separately take the stage and share their plans to reduce vacancy.

Exactly two weeks ahead of primary election day, the leading Democratic candidates for Baltimore City mayor made their final pitches.

From schools and parks to fire hydrants and sidewalks, historian Andrew Kahrl finds numerous examples over the 20th century of how African American taxpayers have been denied the benefits of their dollars. His new book is titled, “The Black Tax.”

We’ll go On the Record with housing experts who say the future of our democracy depends on desegregating our communities. In “Just Action,” Leah and Richard Rothstein lay out policies that can prompt change, from down payment subsidies to inclusionary zoning laws.

“I’m paying them to kill me and it isn’t fair.”

The policy allows the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to sell vacant lots and houses — in the most distressed neighborhoods — for as little as $1, to individuals and community land trusts.

The owners of vacant properties in Baltimore City could be responsible for a slew of fees, under three bills being considered by city council.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of stable housing… it shapes one’s future on this planet.”

We’ll go On the Record with Housing Secretary Jake Day to talk about the governor’s plan for Maryland’s housing shortage and eviction crisis. What would make it more likely that affordable homes are built? How to pull in federal money for housing? How to protect renters?

We'll go On the Record with Baltimore City's Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach to talk about an $18M deal to acquire two downtown hotels for homeless housing.