Maryland Gov. Moore Announces $69.5 Million in Revitalization and Economic Development Funding

Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant investment of $69.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 awards to bolster community revitalization and economic development across Maryland. These funds, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, will support 226 projects aimed at strengthening local economies, expanding housing options, and improving community infrastructure in disinvested areas statewide. The awards are distributed to county and municipal governments, community development organizations, and other community partners, with a notable emphasis on designated “Just Communities” where the state is intentionally directing investment to address historical disparities and create equitable opportunities.

The comprehensive funding package will finance a wide array of projects, including initiatives for business expansion and retention, enhancements to building exteriors and public spaces, incentives for homeownership and rehabilitation, programs for commercial district improvements, development of community facilities, mixed-use developments, and demolition of blighted properties. Governor Moore emphasized that these investments are crucial for building a more resilient, affordable, and competitive Maryland, stating that the funding will “fuel local visions, strengthen small businesses, expand housing options, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.”

A substantial portion of the announced funds, $40.2 million, is specifically allocated to projects within “Just Communities.” These are areas identified through data and historical context where concentrated state investment is intended to rectify past harms, reduce disparities, and foster equitable growth for residents.

Key state programs contributing to this funding include the Strategic Demolition Fund, which awarded $10 million to 25 projects designed to accelerate economic development. Projects funded by this initiative include the acquisition of downtown properties for arts revitalization in Oakland, infrastructure work to support affordable housing development in Waldorf, site development for mixed-use retail and residential buildings in Salisbury, preparation for a mixed-income housing development on a former industrial site in Easton, and the creation of an economic and educational hub focused on oyster processing and bio labs in Cambridge.

The Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative received over $18 million for 75 projects aimed at redevelopment within the Baltimore Beltway. These initiatives encompass essential home repairs for seniors in Baltimore City, rehabilitation of the Delta Community Center in Park Heights, mini-grants for minority-owned businesses along the York Corridor, the transformation of a vacant building in Southwest Baltimore into a community hub with a café and co-working space, the development of a workforce development makerspace at the Pikesville Armory, and the creation of a new community park in Remington.

Similarly, the National Capital Strategic Economic Development Fund also provided more than $18 million for 32 projects in communities surrounding the Capital Beltway. These projects include down payment assistance to strengthen neighborhoods in College Park, the construction of a new playground and splash pad in Upper Marlboro, predevelopment funding for affordable apartments in Hyattsville, home repair and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households in Gaithersburg, and the demolition of a former apartment complex to facilitate new housing in Silver Spring.

The Community Legacy program awarded over $8 million to 38 projects in designated Sustainable Communities across the state. These funded activities include park improvements in Denton, renovations to increase housing for men experiencing homelessness in New Market, the construction of a new community center in Easton, the rehabilitation of space for childcare centers and a new headquarters for Meals on Wheels in Baltimore City, and the development of an affordable housing neighborhood in Cambridge.

Additionally, the Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund provided $10 million in grants and loans to higher education institutions and hospitals for community development projects in disinvested areas. Nine projects were supported, including the construction of a new headquarters for IonQ in College Park, the establishment of a dental suite for student and faculty care in Baltimore City, the creation of a joint public safety and response facility in Baltimore City, the development of an economic and educational center in Cambridge, and the construction of a Performing Arts Center in Salisbury.

The Maryland Façade Improvement Program contributed $5 million to 47 communities to enhance the visual appeal and character of local business districts through exterior building improvements.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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