Maryland Governor Concludes National Governors Association Meeting, Highlighting Bipartisan Solutions and Regional Investment

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has concluded his participation in the 2026 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., where he served as NGA Vice Chair. During the three-day event, Governor Moore engaged with over 40 governors from across the nation to advocate for a state-focused approach to economic growth, public safety, and collaborative problem-solving. His efforts at the meeting underscored the critical role of partnerships among state executives in developing policies that yield tangible benefits for Maryland residents.

The governor’s agenda at the NGA Winter Meeting included discussions on critical national issues. He participated in conversations regarding immigration reform, specifically examining the economic implications of federal policies on vital sectors such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Additionally, Governor Moore, alongside NGA Chair and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, participated in a POLITICO Governors Summit, where he emphasized the enduring importance of the NGA in fostering cooperation among the nation’s governors. These discussions frequently touched upon a range of significant topics, including energy, transportation, employment, and the evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence, reinforcing the idea that collective action among states is essential for addressing complex challenges.

As a member of the Council of Governors, Governor Moore also met with high-ranking officials from the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House. Key discussion points during these meetings included enhancing cybersecurity measures and strengthening coordination for disaster response and recovery efforts. Governor Moore specifically highlighted the strategic significance of Maryland’s defense installations, such as Fort Meade and the National Security Agency, to the nation’s broader homeland defense mission.

Earlier in the week, Governor Moore attended a bipartisan business meeting at the White House, furthering discussions on improving the working relationship between states and the federal government through the NGA framework. He also took part in the Winter Meeting’s opening plenary session, which focused on NGA Chair Governor Kevin Stitt’s initiative, “Reigniting the American Dream.” This yearlong initiative is centered on three core policy areas: fostering economic opportunity through entrepreneurship, enhancing educational experiences for all learners, and driving future innovation in AI and energy infrastructure.

In a significant development for Western Maryland, Governor Moore announced during the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Quorum Meeting that Maryland has successfully secured a $200,000 grant for Allegany College of Maryland. This funding will support the launch of the Appalachian Business Builders project, a priority initiative during Governor Moore’s tenure as the 2025 ARC States’ co-chair. The project aims to establish a regional community development financial institution, thereby expanding access to capital for rural entrepreneurs in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed financial resources to businesses in these areas, potentially leading to job creation and community development.

Governor Moore also moderated a panel discussion titled “The Power of Service,” which explored strategies for states to enhance support for military families and veterans. As co-chair of the NGA-Blue Star Families’ “Do Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families” initiative, he showcased Maryland’s leading efforts in recognizing the contributions of veterans and military families. This session coincided with the release of a comprehensive toolkit designed to assist other states in adopting best practices demonstrated in Maryland.

The Winter Meeting concluded with a series of sessions dedicated to topics such as reducing living costs for working families, leveraging public-private partnerships to address state-level challenges, and mitigating political polarization.

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

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