The Baltimore City Department and Housing and Community Development (DHCD) work to improve the quality of life for all Baltimore City residents by revitalizing and redeveloping communities and promoting access to quality affordable housing opportunities in safe, livable neighborhoods. DHCD was created in 1968 to consolidate local community development efforts with housing and building code enforcement. With just over 400 employees, DHCD strengthens City neighborhoods by attracting investors, developers, and home buyers. Through the administration of CDBG, HOME, City bond funds, and other creative financing mechanisms, the Department finances, and guides strategic development projects to meet housing and neighborhood needs. To hold property owners accountable and keep neighborhoods safe, DHCD monitors construction and building activity and enforces the City's housing and building codes. The Department also provides a host of valuable community services and administers a host of programs for residents.