Grant funding incentivizes more workforce housing development in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. – “We’d like to get the money out there to get it spent and see some projects get underway,” Bankert said.

$25,000 in grant funding is headed to The Ocean City Development Corporation from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Main Street Maryland program. “Really the purpose of it is to work with local governments and organizations with their revitalization efforts for their downtowns,” MSM Program Officer Christine McPherson said.

The money will support OCDC’s Development and Assistance Program which will help offset costs on the construction of new developments or renovating existing properties.

OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert said the hope is to address the lingering workforce housing crisis. “Our hope is that having these funds available to a property owner or developer will be an incentive for them to build these projects in downtown Ocean City,” Bankert said.

The selected project(s) would be located south of 17th Street.

Bankert added that the lack of availability isn’t just a housing issue, but an economic development issue. “Especially during the summertime here and the growing shoulder season, if we don’t have these seasonal employees down here the businesses can’t function properly,” he said.

McPherson told 47ABC that prioritizing housing options for those workers won’t just ensure they’ll have a place to lay their head, but also keep the doors of many businesses open. “This will keep businesses open longer/extended hours and provide great customer service. People are attracted to those kinds of experiences and that’s what we’re looking for. It will ring cash registers and spur economic development,” she said.

Funding is available on a first come first served basis. Interested parties can apply for anywhere from $10,000-$25,000 depending on the size and scale of their project.

OCDC says the town recently passed a new ordinance making it easier for workforce housing projects to be built which will be a big help. The nonprofit also some funding available from last year in addition to this year’s funding.

To find out more information OCDC and their other programs click here or call (410)-289-7739.