Housing Authority of Baltimore City

What Housing Authority of Baltimore City does

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) is a public housing authority established in 1937 under federal HUD mandate to administer federally-subsidized affordable housing programs for low-income residents of Baltimore City. As the fifth largest public housing authority in the United States, HABC serves more than 20,000 to 23,000 households and over 70,000 Baltimore residents through two core programs: Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH), where residents pay rent set at 30% of adjusted gross income in HABC-owned properties, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP/Section 8), which provides tenant-based rental assistance for private market housing. The agency operates under a Moving to Work (MTW) agreement with HUD that allows flexible blending of operating subsidies and capital funds.

HABC's technology infrastructure centers on the MyHousing digital portals (Applicant Portal, Participant Portal), the HCVP Owner Portal for landlord transactions, and an official mobile application launched in 2025 for iOS and Android. The agency is also deploying fiber-to-the-home broadband across 4,000+ units at eight properties through a $22 million partnership with BCIT and Port Networks. Operations are supported by 501-1000 employees and five primary Baltimore locations including the central office, HCVP office, Office of Resident Services sites, and an archive facility.

The agency's business model is fundamentally government-funded, with revenue sourced primarily from HUD operating subsidies, HCVP administrative fees, and Capital Fund grants. HABC supplements federal appropriations through mixed-finance development partnerships that leverage Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), Baltimore City capital funds, Maryland state funds, and Choice Neighborhoods grants, alongside private developer equity. The $540 million PSO Transformation exemplifies this capital stacking model. The agency also operates ancillary revenue programs including down payment assistance (up to $10,000 for eligible residents) and homeownership pathway programs that have produced 120 homeowners over eight years.

Name

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

Legal name

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

Website

https://habc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City is a federally-mandated public housing authority established in 1937 that administers Low-Income Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for more than 23,000 low-income households and 70,000+ residents across Baltimore City, supported by HUD appropriations, mixed-finance development partnerships, and an expanding digital and broadband infrastructure footprint.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing and Affordable Housing Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Community Housing Services (62422), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510), Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)

Keywords

• Public housing programs
• Housing choice vouchers
• Affordable rental housing
• Homeownership assistance
• Resident supportive services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal HUD Funding: HABC receives the majority of its operating revenue from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through public housing operating subsidies, Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP/Section 8) funding, and capital fund grants. HUD provides both annual operating allocations and competitive grant awards such as Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grants.
2. Public Housing Dwelling Rent: Public housing residents pay dwelling rent based on their income (typically 30% of adjusted gross income), which contributes to the operating revenue of individual public housing properties.
3. Program Fees and Administrative Revenue: HABC generates administrative fees through the HCVP program (HUD-funded administrative fees based on voucher count), and receives revenue through various HUD Moving to Work (MTW) flexible funding mechanisms that allow blending of operating subsidies and capital funds.
4. Mixed-Finance Development Partnerships: HABC leverages public-private partnerships to redevelop public housing properties. Private developer equity, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), Baltimore City capital funds, Maryland state funds, and federal Choice Neighborhoods grants are combined with HABC's public housing assets to finance major redevelopment projects.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

HABC administers federal public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for Baltimore City, providing affordable rental housing to over 20,000 low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. It also delivers supportive services including homeownership programs with down payment assistance, economic mobility and self-sufficiency programs, and large-scale mixed-income neighborhood redevelopment projects such as the Perkins Somerset Oldtown Transformation.

Product overview

Housing Authority of Baltimore City operates as a public housing authority providing quality affordable housing and supportive services. The organization offers multiple housing programs including Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP/Section 8), along with homeownership assistance programs. For resident and landlord engagement, HABC provides digital portals including the MyHousing Portal for participant recertifications and document management, and the HCVP Owner Portal for landlord property management. The agency also offers a mobile application for staff and residents to access information and submit work orders.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) Federally-subsidized rental housing program providing affordable homes to eligible low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities in HABC-owned properties across Baltimore City, including mixed population, senior-designated, and accessible units. Residents pay dwelling rent set at 30% of adjusted household income.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP / Section 8) Federally-assisted Section 8 rental assistance program helping eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. Vouchers subsidize a portion of monthly rent paid to participating private landlords who pass Housing Quality Standards inspections.
• Homeownership Programs Comprehensive homeownership pathway including Homebuyer Readiness Training, Scattered Sites Homeownership Program, HCV Homeownership Program, and down payment and closing cost assistance grants of up to $10,000 to help low-income public housing and HCVP residents become homeowners in the private market.
• MyHousing Participant Portal Secure online portal enabling HCVP participants to complete annual recertification, update family information, income, assets and expenses, and upload verification documents digitally for ongoing program participation.
• HCVP Owner Portal Secure online portal for private landlords to submit Request for Tenancy Approval Forms, view electronic HQS inspection results and notifications, track move processes, submit rent increase requests, manage documents, and set up direct deposit for HAP payments.
• HABC Mobile App Official mobile application for HABC staff and residents providing direct access to program information, work order submission, contact with property management office staff, and optimized navigation of habc.org website content.
• Office of Resident Services Programs Comprehensive resident supportive services including Economic Mobility (employment, financial empowerment), Personal Empowerment, Youth Development, Senior Support, and ORS Service Coordination. Designed to promote self-sufficiency among HABC residents and complement housing assistance.
• Project-Based Voucher Program Project-based rental assistance attached to specific housing units rather than to a participant, allowing HABC to subsidize units within designated developments as part of the broader HCVP portfolio.
• Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program HUD-VASH rental assistance vouchers for homeless Veterans receiving clinical services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with dedicated leasing support provided by HABC.
• Fair Housing and 504 Coordination Services Fair housing compliance services and reasonable accommodation request processing for residents with disabilities, including the 504 Coordination Office support for accessibility modifications, UFAS unit allocations, and equal access to HABC programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• HABC's operations generated $9 billion for the local economy over 6 years (2018-2023), with $408 million in direct spending returning more than 20-times the amount.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026HABC and DHCD jointly administer homeownership programs to help Baltimore residents purchase homes. DHCD invested $2.7 million in FY and assisted more than 240 families through its First-Time Homebuyer Incentive Program. Together they provide homebuyer education, counseling, down payment assistance (up to $10,000), and housing subsidies to support rental-to-ownership transitions for public housing and HCVP residents.
• NpowersupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Partnership with HABC and BCIT to reopen newly renovated computer labs at five HABC communities: Gilmore Homes, Brooklyn Homes, Douglass Homes, Scattered Sites, and Pleasant View Gardens. Npower supports digital equity by providing modern computer lab spaces where residents can apply for jobs, complete school assignments, build skills, and access online resources.
• Baltimore City Office of Information Technology (BCIT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026Joint initiative with HABC and BCIT delivering broadband to more than 4,000 public housing units across eight HABC properties. The nearly $22 million investment is part of Baltimore City's Digital Equity and Broadband Strategy. BCIT's Interim CIO Leyla Layman noted that core infrastructure has already been constructed, enabling fast deployment.
• Port NetworkscoreTechnology or Integration · 10 March 2026Selected as the Internet Service Provider for the broadband initiative. Port Networks installs fiber connections into every unit across eight HABC properties and offers gigabit broadband service to 100% of willing households at $20/month. Hugh Bethell, General Manager, noted the local provider focuses on low-cost service without application requirements, data caps, or contracts, and will provide multilingual digital skills training support.
• Project JumpStart, Inc. (PJSI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2025Partnership provides HABC residents with access to PJSI's pre-apprenticeship training, case management, and job placement support for careers in the construction industry. Residents are connected to local contractors and construction firms for employment opportunities. The initiative complements HABC's GROW (Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work) program. First participants are already earning certifications and securing apprenticeships.
• Econsult Solutions, Inc.supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Premier analytics and insights firm engaged by HABC to conduct the 2025 Economic Impact Study. The study found that HABC's operations and investments generated $9 billion for the Baltimore and Maryland economy over six years (2018-2023), with $408 million in direct spending returning more than 20-times the amount to local economies.
• Beatty Development and Cross Street PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2024Development partners for Perkins Square Phase 1 (103 units) working alongside lead developer McCormack Baron Salazar. The Phase 1 ribbon cutting in April 2024 marked a major milestone for the PSO Transformation, with the community featuring replacement public housing, additional affordable housing, and market-rate rental housing with amenities.
• Hord Coplan MachtsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 27 April 2024Architecture firm responsible for the design of Perkins Square (Perkins Homes Phase I). The design received three major architectural awards (AIA Chesapeake Bay Honor Award, AIA Maryland Unbuilt Award, MBIA Award) for exceptional affordable housing design. The firm has also contributed to Transform Poe planning as a consultant.
• McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2024Lead development partner for Perkins Homes (PSO) redevelopment, working with codeveloper HABC. MBS is one of the nation's leading developers of economically integrated urban neighborhoods, with more than 25,000 high-quality homes built since 1973 and $5 billion in total development costs. Phase III of Perkins involves 152 mixed-income units funded by $74 million in investment including Maryland CDA, ARPA funds, DHCD, and HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant.
• Commercial Construction GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 January 2024Local, minority-led general contractor for Perkins Square construction. CEO Kevin Johnson noted that the project exceeded all federal and local MBE/WBE and Section 3 requirements, prioritizing local minority partnerships and employment for Baltimore residents. Phase 1 construction began August 2022.
• Cherry Hill Strong (CHS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018CHS is a community-based organization dedicated to the Cherry Hill Transformation Plan. In Spring 2024, CHS received designation as a Purpose-Built Community. HABC and CHS collaborate on developing a comprehensive housing master plan for Cherry Hill Homes, building upon community conversations and steering committee processes that began with the 2020 Cherry Hill Transformation Plan.
• Baltimore City Government / Mayor's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018The City of Baltimore, under Mayor Brandon M. Scott and prior Mayor Catherine E. Pugh, is a joint applicant and partner on HUD Choice Neighborhoods grants, providing ARPA funds ($8.5 million for Perkins Phase III), Baltimore City Capital Funds, and DHCD resources for the PSO Transformation. City government is also a co-signer on the city's Digital Equity and Broadband Strategy.
• RAD Program Conversion Partners (20+ private developers/managers)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015HABC has converted 20+ public housing sites under HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, working with private developers and managers including ResidentialONE (Bernard E. Mason, Govans Manor), Landex Development (Bel Park Tower, Broadway Overlook, Hillside Park), Enterprise Residential (Heritage Crossing, Hollins House), The NHP Foundation (Hollander Ridge), The Community Builders (McCulloh Homes Extension, Monument East), Community Housing Partners (J. Van Story Branch, Primrose Place), and Homes for America (Chase House).

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): One of the largest U.S. PHAs, administering public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs in Chicago. CHA is highly comparable to HABC as a large urban housing authority managing similar mixed-finance redevelopment pipelines and federal HUD-funded programs.
• New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): The largest public housing authority in the U.S., serving over 400,000 NYC residents through public housing and Section 8 programs. NYCHA is the most direct functional peer to HABC, operating the same federal HUD programs (public housing, HCVP, MTW-equivalent flexibility) at much greater scale in a different urban market.
• Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA): Major urban public housing authority serving tens of thousands of households in Philadelphia through LIPH and HCVP. Directly comparable to HABC in serving an older, post-industrial Northeastern U.S. city with significant public housing stock and mixed-finance redevelopment activity.
• District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA): Public housing authority serving Washington D.C. through LIPH, HCVP, and local rental assistance programs. DCHA is comparable to HABC as a mid-Atlantic urban PHA administering federal HUD programs with similar mixed-finance and redevelopment approaches.
• Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (AHA): Large PHA administering public housing, HCVP, and major mixed-income redevelopment initiatives in Atlanta. AHA's transformation programs (similar to HABC's PSO Transformation) and MTW-equivalent flexibility make it a strong functional peer.
• Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA): One of the largest U.S. housing authorities, administering HCVP and public housing programs across Los Angeles County. LACDA is comparable to HABC in operating federally-funded housing assistance at scale with a focus on Section 8 voucher administration in a high-cost urban market.
• Detroit Housing Commission: Municipal housing commission administering public housing and HCVP in Detroit. Directly comparable to HABC as a large Midwestern post-industrial city PHA with aging housing stock requiring significant capital reinvestment and redevelopment activity.
• Boston Housing Authority (BHA): Large Northeastern U.S. PHA administering public housing and Section 8 vouchers across Boston. BHA is comparable to HABC in operating federally-funded housing programs in an older urban core with significant mixed-finance redevelopment activity.
• Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA): Mid-size Ohio PHA administering LIPH and HCVP programs. Comparable to HABC as a municipal housing authority with a similar portfolio of federal HUD-funded programs, mixed-finance redevelopments, and resident services initiatives.

Emerging players

• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit that finances and develops affordable housing using LIHTC, debt, and equity capital, partnering with PHAs including HABC's RAD conversion partners. While not a housing authority itself, Enterprise is a key ecosystem peer—working alongside PHAs as a developer, financier, and policy advocate in affordable housing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bmorehabc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/bmorehabc
• Facebookfacebook.com/bmorehabc
• Instagraminstagram.com/officialhabc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Housing Authority of Baltimore City