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MarylandSB 08162026 Regular SessionSenate

West North Avenue Development Authority - Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program - Establishment (WNADA Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Act)

Sponsored By: Antonio Hayes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New neighborhood grants for West North Avenue

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law creates a neighborhood connection program within the West North Avenue Development Authority. It covers Baltimore’s 600 through 3200 blocks of West North Avenue, inclusive, plus the area within 250 yards. The Authority provides technical support and must award grants to participating community development corporations, neighborhood associations, volunteer groups, and nonprofits. It may set aside up to $150,000 each year from existing funds for these grants. Approved uses include gatherings, festivals, parades, talks, service and recreation events, and newsletters, bulletins, or digital outreach. Grants also support volunteer stipends, refreshments, space rentals, materials, organization operating costs, and creating or maintaining green and gathering spaces. They can also pay for training and hiring community organizers and help with grant applications. Groups must plan and run activities with residents, reflect neighborhood priorities, and let residents lead when practical. Starting December 1, 2027, the Authority must report its grant activities annually to the Governor and General Assembly. By July 1, 2029, it must compile program evaluations and results into a neighborhood-building template and recommendations for wider use. The law ends when the termination provision in Chapters 215 and 216 of the 2025 Acts takes effect; it does not change that provision.

More partners to remove Baltimore blighted properties

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law authorizes the Continuing the CORE Partnership Fund to help remove blighted properties faster in Baltimore City. The West North Avenue Development Authority joins Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland Stadium Authority, and Baltimore City in this effort. The law does not specify a new funding amount or a direct household payment. This authority ends when the termination provision in Chapters 215 and 216 of the 2025 Acts takes effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Antonio Hayes

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 10

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 9 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 389

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (127-9)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    4/8/2026House

  6. Referred Economic Matters

    3/20/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (44-1)

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments {873322/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/16/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026Senate

  12. First Reading Finance

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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