Md. Code, Local Government § 1–803

(a) (1) Regardless of whether a county or municipality has established a

housing authority under the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of the Housing

and Community Development Article, the powers conferred by this section:

(i) are in addition to all other powers of a county or

municipality; and

(ii) may be exercised directly by a county or municipality or as

otherwise provided by the governing body of the county or municipality.

(2) This section does not affect any powers conferred on a housing

authority, county, or municipality by the Housing Authorities Law in Division II of

the Housing and Community Development Article.

(b) A county or municipality may participate in federal lower–income

housing assistance programs and for this purpose may:

(1) enter into contracts with the United States or a federal agency;

(2) accept and expend assistance payments related to existing, newly

constructed, or substantially rehabilitated housing;

(3) act as a public housing agency as defined in federal law; and

(4) do all things necessary or convenient to participate in the

program.