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Over​view

In 2021, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) launched the Homeownership Works (HOW) Pilot Program to increase homeownership opportunities in underserved areas. That same year, the Maryland Legislature passed the Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program (SB 859/HB 1239) to address the appraisal gap and remove barriers to investment in neighborhoods affected by redlining.

In 2023, DHCD updated its HOW Pilot Program, and HB625 (the "Appraisal Gap Bill") passed. UPLIFT builds on these efforts as a public-private partnership to invest in these communities.

What is the Appraisal Gap?

The Appraisal Gap is the difference between:

• The total eligible cost to develop a property, and
• The price the property can sell for on the market.

This gap is common in neighborhoods affected by redlining and disinvestment, where the cost to build or renovate often exceeds what buyers can afford, or what homes appraise for.

UPLIFT Goal

The primary goal of UPLIFT is to increase property values and create wealth-building homeownership opportunities for targeted households. We do this by accelerating the development, construction, and sale of high-quality, affordable homes in low-income census tracts and designated Sustainable Communities. These efforts help close the appraisal gap in historically redlined neighborhoods.

UPLIFT also supports a range of related goals, including:

• Increasing homeownership in disinvested neighborhoods
• Upgrading housing for Legacy Homeowners in appraisal gap neighborhoods
• Revitalizing currently disinvested neighborhoods
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Maryland housing stock
• Expanding employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Maryland workers and businesses, especially those from historically disadvantaged demographic groups

How UPLIFT Works

UPLIFT brings together partners from across sectors to close the appraisal gap and strengthen communities. Partners include:

• Local jurisdictions
• Nonprofit and for-profit developers and builders
• Community-based organizations engaged in revitalization efforts
• Political leaders
• Maryland residents

Together, UPLIFT and its partners work to:

• Align incentives for high-quality, on-time housing production
• Apply consistent standards and oversight
• Ensure quality and accountability throughout the process

Selected qualified development teams will acquire, develop, build, and sell quality affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods using a combination of public and private financing. To make this possible, the State will cover the difference between the cost to build and the sale price (the "Appraisal Gap") through UPLIFT funding.

Application Process Overview

To learn more about project eligibility, download the latest version of the UPLIFT Program Guide.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. They are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funding is available.

You must submit a Pre-Application Meeting​ Request Form​ before applying. We encourage you to do this early to learn more about the program and determine if your project is a good fit.

• Step 0: Pre-Application Requirements
  • Review program guide and all application materials carefully
  • Prepare project details, including scope, development plan, and financials
  • Schedule pre-application meeting and submit required documentation at least two business days before the meeting
• Step 1: Request Access
  • Submit the Electronic Application Submission Request Form after pre-app meeting
  • HCD will send a private Dropbox link for submitting application documents
• Step 2: Complete Application
  • Download the Application Documents Package zip folder under the "Application Documents" section on this page
  • Complete each section of the application, use the UPLIFT Detailed Application Instructions
  • Prepare narratives, certifications, development information, financials, and other required documentation
  • Prepare two copies: one electronic (Dropbox), one hard copy
• Step 3: Pay Fee
  • $1,000 non-refundable fee per project
  • Mail check to DHCD and upload proof of payment
• Step 4: Submit
  • Upload all files to Dropbox in correct subfolders
  • Sign and upload the Final Submission Checklist
  • Deliver hard copy to DHCD's Lanham, MD office (must match electronic version)
• Step 5: Review & Scoring
  • DHCD conducts threshold review, then scores eligible projects
• Step 6: Award & Closing
  • If approved, receive commitment letter

Documents and Forms

Disclaimer:

• The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal or professional advice.
• The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) makes no guarantees and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information and materials shared here.

Program Updates and Communications

• CDA eNews 24-01: UPLIFT Final Guide & Materials Released; UPLIFT Application Open; Upcoming UPLIFT Information Session​
• CDA eNews 23-04: ​Listening Session for New UPLIFT Program​
  
• CDA ​eNews 23-03: ​New Homeownership Production Program: UPLIFT, Open for Comment​
• Current Pipeline
• Governor's Press Release: UPLIFT Program Announcement​

Past Events

• ​March 18, 2024: Virtual Information Session, covering key elements of the Program Guide and Application Process
• March 5, 2024: UPLIFT Application Round Opens
• December 19, 2023: Listening Session; Time for comments and questions on First Draft of Program Guide
• December 4-29, 2023: Public Comment Period for​ First Draft of Program Guide

Contact Information

If you have questions or need help with UPLIFT, email us at: uplift.dhcd@maryland.gov.​