PEOPLE & PLACES
CDN creates space for housing counselors, developers, and community-based organizations to come together, share what they’re seeing on the ground, and build relationships that strengthen community-serving work statewide.
LIVED EXPERIENCE
CDN offers peer networking, local trainings, and scholarships to NeighborWorks and other nationally recognized trainings.We collect and share the stories, insights, and qualitative research that emerge from daily work with families and neighborhoods—helping ensure policies and investments reflect real community needs.
SHARED CAPACITY
Through professional development, peer learning, and simplified tools, CDN helps members grow their skills and pass that knowledge on—multiplying impact across Maryland.
We Advocate
We support advocacy informed by lived experiences, partner insights, and shared priorities with decision-makers.
Community Development Network 2025-2026 Recap
Demystifying Advocacy In Annapolis 2026 CDN WEEK
CDN Annual meeting & Awards 2026
CDN 2026 Award Winners
Innovation Awards Category: Recognizes projects/programs that innovate in the approach, method or process of achieving community development goals to improve the quality of life for community members. Particularly replicable models or statewide efforts.
1) Winner Group: BRIDGES Community Development Corporation
Project Winner: The Residences at Belvedere Place
Project Description: An emerging faith-based developer launched by Manna Bible Baptist Church to holistically serve Baltimore’s Park Heights community. The Residences at Belvedere Place transforms vacant and underutilized lots across from the historic Pimlico Race Course into a vibrant, 83-unit affordable mixed-use developmentWebsite
2) WINNER Group: Housing Initiative Partnership
Project Winner: The Fairmount Heights Net Zero Energy Modular Home Community and Pocket Park
Project Description: A non-profit developer committed to creating affordable housing and revitalizing local neighborhoods. The Fairmount Heights Net Zero Energy Modular Home Community and Pocket Park transforms vacant lots in a historic African American municipality into six sustainable, single-family homes paired with a public green space. The development merges advanced modular construction, rooftop solar microgrid technology, and extreme energy efficiency to deliver zero-energy living for first-time, low-to-moderate-income buyers.Website
3) WINNER: Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP)
Project Winner: The Chimes at North Bethesda
Project Description: A premier non-profit dedicated to preserving and expanding affordable housing options in the region. The Chimes at North Bethesda transforms prime transit-adjacent land into a vibrant multi-family community featuring income-restricted homes alongside public green spaces, interactive musical elements, and a scenic nature overlook. Located just steps from the metro, the development seamlessly pairs high-density, green-certified modular design with accessible amenities and public pocket parks. We honor this forward-thinking initiative for setting a new standard in transit-oriented development and demonstrating how creative design can expand affordable, sustainable living in high-opportunity corridors.Website
Category: Collaborative Partnership Awards
Category Description: Recognizes partners who have joined forces to deliver a deep, lasting impact in our communities. True collaboration isn't just about working together—it’s about aligning mission, innovation, and resources to solve challenges that no single organization could tackle alone.
1) WINNER: Montgomery County Green Bank, Re-Volv, and GreenBrilliance
Project Winner: HUI Rooftop Solar Program
Project Description: Housing Unlimited provides affordable, independent housing for adults in mental health recovery in Montgomery County. To make their homes more energy-efficient, Housing Unlimited joined forces with RE-volv—a California-based, equity-informed clean energy access organization—and the Montgomery County Green Bank, the very first county-level green bank established in the United States.Together, alongside GreenBrilliance, these partners developed a project that is adding 273 kilowatts of solar capacity across more than 40 homes. By combining local tax revenue, federal support, and innovative clean energy financing, this partnership is reducing utility costs, lowering carbon footprints, and creating a sustainable blueprint for affordable housing.Website
2) WINNER: Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Housing Opportunities Commission, and Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs,
Project Winner: Vision for Homeownership
Project Description: In a region where high prices, elevated interest rates, and steep down payments lock many families out of the market, this collaboration created a lifeline. Thanks to their financial innovation, twenty newly renovated townhomes were brought to market at around $350,000 each. With 30-year, zero-percent interest mortgages, the total monthly housing cost—including taxes, insurance, and HOA fees—comes out to roughly $1,400 a month. To put that in perspective, comparable homes in the same neighborhood rent or sell with monthly payments exceeding $2,200.Because of this partnership, 20 families now have a safe, healthy, stable home and the opportunity to build real generational wealth. What makes this project even more remarkable is its focus on long-term affordability. To ensure these homes remain accessible for generations to come. This is a masterclass in long-term community impact. Please give a warm round of applause to Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, HOC, and Montgomery County DHCA!Website
- Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland
- Housing Opportunities Commission
- Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Category: Housing Counseling Stars
Category Description: This award recognizes excellence in work in the field of housing counseling. The award can go to managers, counselors, or anyone connected with an agency providing housing counseling services in Maryland.
1) WINNER: Carmen Castro-Conroy
Organization: Housing Initiative Partnership
Award Description: Carmen Castro-Conroy, a driving force in expanding access to housing counseling and financial empowerment services in Montgomery County, joined Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) in 2009, where she has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, compassion, and dedication to helping individuals and families achieve housing and financial stability. Most recently, she played key leadership roles in launching the City of Gaithersburg's Financial Empowerment Center, Montgomery County's Home Sharing Program, and the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program. Meanwhile, she continues to work directly with clients. Bringing empathy, patience, and determination to every interaction, inspiring confidence and hope in people facing difficult circumstances, Carmen’s impact is measured in the families she has personally helped, as well as, in the programs she has built, the professionals she has guided, and the lives she has changed.Website
2) WINNER: Armand Goytia
Organization: Southeast CDC
Award Description: Armand Goytia of Southeast CDC, a native New Yorker, born and raised in The Bronx, now proudly calls Maryland his home. A third-generation Puerto Rican, he brings a strong sense of community, culture, and commitment to everything he does. With over 20 years’ experience in helping clients meet their financial goals, whether that is reducing debt, improving their credit and savings, or becoming a first-time homebuyer, Armand joined Southeast CDC in 2024 as a bilingual, HUD-Certified Housing Counselor. His dedication to the organization’s mission, paired with his exceptional attention to detail, led to his promotion to his current role as Director of Housing Counseling, a program which served over 680 clients last year while he still directly counsels clients. Armand is a proud veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.Website
3) WINNER: Jane Hoy
Organization: Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services
Award Description: Jane Hoy joined Salisbury NHS on July 3, 2006 as a housing counselor. In 2014, she was promoted to Homeownership Services Manager overseeing the counseling programs and counseling staff. In 2017, Jane was promoted to Assistant Director. She is a licensed mortgage loan originator in the state of Maryland and is a HUD certified counselor. Jane’s dedication, resourcefulness and caring shows in everything she brings to this work.Website
2) WINNER: Joyce VanZile
Organization: Cecil County Housing Agency
Award Description: Joyce has been a HUD certified Housing Counselor since 2019, after many years as a Real Estate agent and work in aging services. She brings this combination of knowledge and experience to bear on many of the clients she works with, along with dedication to excellence and a strong and earnest desire to help people when they need it most. As a single counselor agency, she wears all the hats, and is dynamic and sharp. She routinely receives notes of thanks and compliments from her clients. Website
Category: Advocacy Stars
Category Description: Leaders whose tireless dedication shapes housing equity and policy across our state. We honor these standout individuals for their bold leadership, community mobilization, and unwavering commitment to building stronger, more equitable Maryland neighborhoods.
1) WINNER: Carrie Kisicki
Organization: Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG)Carrie Kisicki – Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) Carrie Kisicki serves as a dedicated transit and housing advocate with the Coalition for Smarter Growth, focusing on policy solutions for Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Her work drives equitable transit-oriented development, expanded affordable housing choices, and safer street networks that connect residents to opportunity.Website
2) WINNER: Antoinette Macer
Antoinette Macer – Baltimore Renters United Antoinette Macer is a dedicated tenant organizer and housing justice advocate fighting for safe, stable, and affordable homes across Baltimore City. Through her work with Baltimore Renters United, she empowers local residents, builds collective tenant power, and advances critical protections against unlawful evictions and housing instability.Website
Category: Emerging Leaders Award
Category Description: Rising champions who are driving transformative change and shaping the future of community development across our state. We celebrate these visionary leaders for their passion, grassroots impact, and dedication to building stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.
1) WINNER: Baltimore City Youth Action Board
Award description: The Baltimore City Youth Action Board is a dynamic collective of young leaders with lived experience of housing instability who actively shape citywide policies, funding priorities, and support systems. Their advocacy ensures youth voices directly guide Baltimore's strategy to prevent and end youth homelessness.Website
2) WINNER: Theresa Robertson
Organization: Central Baltimore Partnership
Award Description: Theresa Robertson serves as a key community practitioner at the Central Baltimore Partnership, leading initiatives that strengthen local neighborhoods, support small businesses, and boost resident engagement. Her collaborative approach fosters equitable revitalization across Central Baltimore, connecting community stakeholders with vital resources for lasting growth.Website
3) WINNER: Langston Stephens,
Organization: Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC)
Award Description: Langston Stephens is a dedicated community development professional at Affordable Homes & Communities, working to expand high-quality affordable housing and enrich resident services. His hands-on leadership empowers individuals,builds community trust, and advances housing stability for families across the region.Website
Category: Legacy Awards Category
Description: Honoring the individuals whose lifetime of dedication has contributed significantly to the landscape of community development in Maryland. The Legacy Award is presented to leaders who have devoted their careers to creating lasting change that will benefit Marylanders for generations to come.
1) WINNER: Kevin Baynes,
Title & Organization: Director of State Revitalization Programs DHCD
Award Description: Kevin’s commitment to community development spans over 30 years—starting from his early days as a Housing Inspector in Baltimore City, to his work with the COIL Economic Development Corporation and the Maryland Center for Community Development. Since joining the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Kevin has been central to creating and managing the state's entire suite of neighborhood revitalization tools. Since 1996, Kevin has helped build and administer seven major grant programs—starting with the foundational Community Legacy Program in 2001, to the Strategic Demolition Fund, the Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund, and most recently, the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative. Today, these programs direct more than $120 million annually to local governments and nonprofits across the state.Website
2) WINNER: Laurence Campbell (Postumous)
Title & Organization: Former Director at Wayland Baptist Community CDC
Award Description: Mr. Laurence Campbell was the true guiding force and heart behind the creation of Wayland Village Apartments. His deep dedication to the WBCDC, and to the Garrison community inspired everyone around him. We Believe and Care - He had a kind and generous spirit. Navigating the complexities of urban development and neighborhood investment can often be contentious and daunting. Yet through every challenge, Laurence was known across our network as a kind, steady, and gentle voice. He led with humility and an unwavering belief in the potential of Baltimore's neighborhoods. Though we miss his presence dearly, his spirit lives on in the communities he lifted and the lives he touchedWebsite
3) WINNER: Tim Wiens, Maryland Inclusive Housing
Organization: Founder of Maryland Inclusive Housing
Award Description: Building on his years of experience with the Jubilee Association of Maryland, Tim understood that true independence requires real community inclusion. Tim Wein is the first director of Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH). He has led the new organization with a simple yet powerful belief: that every person, regardless of ability, deserves access to affordable housing and genuine choice over where and how they live. Under his guidance, MIH grew from an ambitious vision into a statewide organization. He has brought together experts across disability services, housing, advocacy, and community development, empowering them to innovate, build new partnerships, and expand MIH’s reach into every corner of Maryland. Tim, your vision has given countless individuals the safety, dignity, and autonomy of a home to call their own.Website
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