In 2025, Greater Greater Washington conducted an online poll of 820 voters, investigating Maryland voters’ opinions on housing issues. That poll identified the cost of housing and inflation as the most important issues facing the state.
Based on the poll findings, most supply-side and regulatory reform measures on housing received majority support among Maryland voters.
Here is a breakdown of the support levels for various housing and regulation proposals.
Proposals with High Support (Over 70%)
Several proposals aimed at streamlining development or focusing growth received high levels of support:
- Objective Criteria for Housing Projects: 79% of respondents agreed that governments should stick to clear and objective criteria when evaluating housing projects (40% strongly support, 39% somewhat support). Total opposition to this measure was only 7% (5% somewhat oppose, 2% strongly oppose).
- Focusing Reforms Near Job Opportunities: 76% of voters supported reforms that produce more homes in areas where the number of job opportunities outstrips available housing supply. This sentiment translated to 76% support for reforms to produce more housing units in areas where job opportunities have outpaced available housing supply (29% strongly support, 47% somewhat support).
- Allowing Mixed Use Near Rail Transit: 72% of respondents supported a state law allowing a mix of homes and businesses in areas near rail transit stations (27% strongly support, 45% somewhat support). Total opposition was 13%.
- Reducing Barriers Generally: 71% of Marylanders believe the government should reduce barriers to building new housing to help bring down housing prices (32% strongly agree, 39% somewhat agree).
Proposals with Significant Majority Support (60% to 69%)
Proposals regarding specific types of construction and efficiency measures also garnered strong majority support:
- Reducing Permitting Time: 69% of voters agreed with reducing the amount of time it takes for housing projects to go through permitting processes (32% strongly support, 37% somewhat support).
- Allowing Smaller Homes in Existing Neighborhoods: 68% of respondents supported a state law allowing smaller homes, like duplexes, townhomes, and apartments, on most residential lots in existing neighborhoods (28% strongly support, 40% somewhat support). Total opposition was 20%.
- Allowing Apartments in Downtown and Commercial Areas: 68% of voters supported the proposal for the state to allow the construction of apartments on any lot near rail stations, downtown areas, and in places where stores, offices, and restaurants are common (26% strongly support, 42% somewhat support).
- Allowing Housing Based on County-Wide School Capacity: 62% supported a state law requiring counties to allow new homes if there is school capacity anywhere in that county (21% strongly support, 41% somewhat support). Total opposition stood at 18%.
Learn more about the poll at the Greater Greater Washington website.