Maryland Department of Planning Archives

Governor Wes Moore Maryland State of the State 2025

Governor Moore announces pilot program to speed up Maryland business permitting

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore announced this week the start of a pilot program designed to streamline the state’s permitting process for major development projects. The initiative, spearheaded by the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, aims to reduce “red tape” and accelerate economic growth across the state. The council, established by an economic competitiveness executive order in December 2024, will work […]

Governor Moore Moore announces $4.6 million in Maryland Heritage Area Program grants to boost local economies

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced more than $4.6 million in matching grant awards to 91 Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions and heritage tourism organizations. The funding from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority will support place-based projects aimed at promoting economic growth through tourism and community enhancement across the state. “History is an active force for promoting economic development and building […]

Governor Moore announces recommendations to modernize state permitting, remove barriers to employment

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced preliminary recommendations from the Government Efficiency Commission to modernize Maryland’s occupational permitting and licensing processes. The recommendations aim to streamline vendor credentialing, improve permitting reliability and predictability, and eliminate employment barriers for all Marylanders. “Modernizing state government is not just a talking point for us — it’s a governing philosophy,” Moore said. “As we […]

Governor Moore signs economic development executive orders

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed three executive orders this week to boost economic development and modernize state government. The orders focus on fostering the Advanced Air Mobility industry, expanding broadband access, and streamlining the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. The first executive order (PDF) establishes the Maryland Advanced Air Mobility Council, which will lead the state’s efforts to capitalize […]

Maryland invests $20 million in historic revitalization

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced the awarding of $20 million in historic revitalization tax credits through the Maryland Historical Trust. The funding will support 10 projects totaling more than $236 million in estimated costs, including affordable housing, makerspaces, and community facilities. Moore emphasized the importance of preserving Maryland’s history. Moore declared, “Our history is our power.” “And in Maryland, […]

Maryland kicks off fifth annual Walktober celebration

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As part of an effort to promote walking and other forms of sustainable transportation, Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed October as “Walktober.” The declaration marks the fifth annual Walktober celebration in the state. “Maryland’s sidewalks, crosswalks and trails are an essential part of our transportation network which helps provide safe and equitable access for all,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary […]

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Maryland hits land conservation goal 6 years early

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday announced that the state has met its land conservation goal six years ahead of schedule. The announcement also said that Maryland has added more than 1.85 million acres of land to the state’s protected lands to date, and that it is on track to reach its goal of 40% land conservation […]

Governor Wes Moore Longevity Ready Maryland EO Signing 202401

Governor Moore signs executive order establishing Longevity Ready Maryland initiative

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week signed an executive order (PDF) establishing the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative, directing the Maryland Department of Aging to prioritize the well-being of older people, people living with disabilities, and caregivers across all of state government, proactively addressing the needs arising from a growing older adult population. “Our administration made a commitment to honor the […]

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