FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County has selected Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) as partner in developing a Frederick County Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will set the direction for how the County will refine and shape its housing policy, as well as identify resources to address the needs identified in the Needs Assessment. This initiative aligns with County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s community-based Transition Team’s recommendation to update the 2016 Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and develop a strategic plan for housing.
“As the fastest growing county in Maryland, Frederick County has experienced increased pressure on housing affordability in both the rental and homeownership markets. An updated Housing Needs Assessment is critical to identify the current housing needs in our County, as well as the projected needs over the next 10 years,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “On behalf of our entire community, I want to extend my thanks to the City of Frederick and the Affordable Housing Council for their partnership and shared commitment to addressing housing challenges.”
TPMA was selected through a Request for Proposals process, based on the firm’s vast experience with housing studies, as well as its commitment to engaging local communities in the projects their staff have completed across the country. TPMA also brings experience in the State of Maryland, having conducted economic and workforce development projects in neighboring counties.
“As we continue to tackle the challenge of affordable housing in Frederick County, it’s imperative that we understand the needs of our residents, both in terms of data and by hearing directly from them about their concerns,” said Vincent Rogers, Director of the Frederick County Division of Housing. “TPMA is expert in data analysis and community engagement, and their regional and national expertise will ensure that our Strategic Plan takes into consideration best practices from across the country as well as the local environment in Frederick County.”
The City of Frederick has been a valued partner with Frederick County in this process, contributing to the cost of the project, and will be provided with disaggregated housing needs data for the city. It is anticipated that TPMA will begin the project this October and provide a final report to Frederick County by Fall 2025. Opportunities for community input and engagement are expected to begin later this year.