ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a major move to bolster local economies and address historical disinvestment, Governor Wes Moore has announced $69.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 awards. These funds, distributed through six state revitalization programs, will support 226 projects across Maryland, ranging from business expansions to affordable housing and streetscape improvements.
During a meeting with the Board of Public Works, the Governor emphasized that resilient and competitive growth must begin at the local level. The investment is designed to empower municipal governments and community organizations to execute visions that strengthen small businesses and expand housing options.
Prioritizing Just Communities and Equity
A significant portion of the funding—totaling $40.2 million—is earmarked specifically for Just Communities. These are designated areas identified through data as having suffered from historical exclusionary policies, such as redlining and urban renewal projects that displaced residents.
The Just Communities initiative targets 419 census tracts where specific indicators show a clear need for intervention:
- Imprisonment rates exceeding 750 per 100,000 persons.
- High rates of asthma, often linked to environmental hazards.
- Proximity to active Superfund sites or hazardous waste.
- Historical records of racially restrictive covenants and exclusionary zoning.
The administration’s focus on these areas aims to close the racial wealth gap. Data from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development indicates that more than 50% of Maryland renters are currently cost-burdened, and approximately 54% of the state’s population experiencing homelessness identifies as Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
Strategic Breakdown of Revitalization Programs
The $69.5 million is distributed across several specialized funds, each targeting a different aspect of community health and economic viability.
Strategic Demolition Fund
With $10 million awarded to 25 projects, the Strategic Demolition Fund catalyzes economic development by addressing “grey field” sites—underutilized or derelict properties. Notable projects include:
- Cambridge: Development of the Packing House into a center for oyster processing and ecological exhibits.
- Salisbury: Infrastructure support for a new mixed-use retail and residential building.
- Oakland: Acquisition of downtown properties to create an arts revitalization district.
Regional Initiatives
The Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI) and the National Capital Strategic Economic Development Fund each received over $18 million. These programs focus on the specific needs of communities within the Baltimore and Capital Beltways…