Bill > SB287

This bill allows the governing body of a political subdivision, which is a local government entity like a county or city, to designate noncontiguous blighted areas as development districts, meaning areas where a majority of buildings are so run-down due to age or other factors that they can no longer be effectively repaired or maintained. This change specifically permits the designation of these noncontiguous blighted areas as development districts, which is a key aspect of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a tool used to fund development projects by capturing future increases in property taxes within a designated area. The bill also clarifies that this provision regarding noncontiguous blighted areas applies even in Baltimore City, which is otherwise excluded from certain aspects of this subtitle, and it renumbers existing sections of the Economic Development Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland to accommodate these changes, with the new law taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0287?ys=2026RS