AGP Executive Report

Key Bridge Rebuild: Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox made the delayed Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild a campaign issue, saying Maryland’s schedule puts the main-span contract out to summer 2027. That is Cox’s criticism of the Moore administration’s procurement plan; the rebuild is now expected to cost $5.2 billion and open in 2030. Election 2026: Maryland began canvassing mail-in ballots Oct. 13, ahead of early voting Oct. 22–29 and Election Day on Nov. 3. Power Grid: A federal emergency order lets PJM, which serves Maryland and 12 other states plus D.C., call on backup generators at data centers and other large users as a last resort through Oct. 16. PJM says it does not expect customer impacts. Chesapeake Bay: The Bay earned a C+—its highest overall health score in 40 years—with researchers pointing to restoration work and a relatively dry 2025. Local Budgets: Maryland is considering allowing local governments to add up to 3% to restaurant food and beverage bills; restaurant and tourism groups oppose the proposal. Education and Jobs: Nine rural Maryland colleges will share $2.38 million in federal funding for career training, internships and job connections.

Annapolis Tensions: A heated City Council meeting over the city’s refusal to honor activist Phil Ateto ended without an explanation for the decision; police escorted two opponents of the citation from the chambers. Public Funds: Baltimore nonprofit KEYS Empowers reported $427,201 in salaries despite listing no employees on its 2024 tax filing. The FBI raided the group, which received $1 million in federal pandemic funding. Election Issues: Maryland begins counting mail-in ballots Oct. 13. An UMBC poll found broad opposition to new data centers, while Gov. Wes Moore leads Republican Dan Cox in the governor’s race. Federal-State Fight: The Justice Department is suing Maryland over rules requiring federal agents, including ICE officers, to show identification and limit face coverings. Jobs and Investment: Guinness plans to close its Baltimore-area brewery Nov. 1, putting 174 Aramark workers out of work. In a countervailing development, Anduril’s planned Sparrows Point shipyard could bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs.

Election 2026: Maryland starts canvassing returned mail ballots Tuesday, Oct. 13, with the process open to public observation; results won’t be released until polls close Nov. 3. A new UMBC poll shows Gov. Wes Moore leading Dan Cox, while voters voice concerns about the economy, data centers and redistricting. Local Governance: Salisbury leaders are set to consider restrictions on invasive bamboo, including fines of up to $500 a day for property owners who fail to contain it after notice and a 30-day correction period. Industry: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in a Sparrows Point shipyard to build submarine components, with thousands of Maryland jobs expected. Federal Oversight: A judge ordered the Trump administration to cancel remaining taxpayer-funded ads made by Columbia-based LMD Agency, temporarily blocking the campaign.

Maryland Politics: A new UMBC poll puts Gov. Wes Moore ahead of Dan Cox, 51% to 24%, but finds voters worried about the economy and broadly opposed to new data centers and Question 3’s redistricting proposal. Farm and Fuel Costs: Moore declared a 30-day state of emergency as diesel prices hit a record, allowing qualifying farm and forestry vehicles to use dyed diesel on state roads and waiving certain hauling-permit fees. Shipbuilding: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion shipyard at Sparrows Point, alongside a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion, could bring major submarine manufacturing work to Maryland by 2030. Ravens: Tyler Huntley led Baltimore to a 30-23 overtime win over Atlanta, capped by a touchdown run and a game-ending interception; Lamar Jackson sat out with an ankle injury.

Maryland Politics: UMBC polling finds 81% of likely voters rate the state’s economy poor or fair; Gov. Wes Moore’s approval is 49%, while voters also show strong opposition to new data centers and a redistricting amendment. Jobs and Industry: Anduril’s planned Sparrows Point shipyard could bring thousands of jobs and billions in investment, though US Wind has pulled out of plans for turbine manufacturing at the site. Health: A new Maryland law requires mammogram results to flag breast arterial calcification, which may signal higher heart-disease risk and prompt patients to consult a doctor. Business: Takoma Park is opening a grant round offering small businesses and community groups up to $30,000 for electrification and energy-efficiency upgrades. Public Safety: A Rockville man faces federal charges alleging nearly $50 million in payouts from a COVID-testing fraud scheme that filed more than $100 million in claims.

State Government: Maryland officials are taking a fresh look at whether nonprofit hospitals owe taxes on billions held in offshore captive-insurance companies, after a whistleblower raised concerns about enforcement. Gov. Wes Moore also signed an emergency order easing diesel-fuel restrictions for farms and forestry businesses during harvest. Economic Outlook: A new UMBC poll found voters pessimistic about Maryland’s economy and opposed to a proposed congressional redistricting amendment; open primaries drew broader support. Moore, meanwhile, campaigned in Wisconsin for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate as his own reelection race approaches. Business and Jobs: Anduril’s planned $6.6 billion submarine-components shipyard at Sparrows Point remains a major development, with more than 3,100 direct jobs projected. Howard County’s economic development authority also partnered with CloudOffix to offer its business platform to Maryland Innovation Center startups. Public Health: Lawmakers are eyeing changes as pharmacies struggle, while officials review hospital insurance arrangements. Terrapins: Maryland fell to 2-4 after a 45-16 loss to No. 5 Ohio State, its fourth straight defeat.

Hospital Oversight: Maryland officials are examining whether nonprofit hospitals owe state taxes on billions held in offshore captive-insurance companies, after a public inquiry raised questions about enforcement. Health Care: MedStar Health is adding a larger Airbus helicopter to expand critical-care transport across Maryland and the Washington region. Farm Relief: Gov. Wes Moore signed an order allowing qualified farm and forestry vehicles to use tax-exempt dyed diesel and waiving hauling fees for 30 days. 2026 Elections: Maryland’s governor’s race and proposed congressional redistricting remain in focus, with polls showing voter skepticism about the redistricting measure. Economic Development: Anduril’s planned Baltimore County submarine-parts shipyard promises thousands of jobs, backed by a multibillion-dollar investment and a potential Navy contract. Public Safety: Police are still seeking the driver in the fatal Reisterstown Road hit-and-run that killed Anne Arundel school secretary Melissa Nocho.

Shipyard Jobs: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion submarine facility at Sparrows Point could create 3,100 Maryland jobs, though the project also drew scrutiny over its federal contract and political ties. Governor’s Race: Wes Moore and Republican challenger Dan Cox have clashed over costs, taxes and energy; a new UMBC poll puts Moore’s approval at 49% as residents report worsening economic concerns. Energy Costs: Moore declared an emergency to ease diesel rules and hauling fees for farm and forestry businesses facing record prices. Maryland also joined a multistate governors’ effort to press for more affordable electricity. Data Center Dispute: A developer is suing Frederick County over its pause on new data center applications, arguing the moratorium unlawfully blocked its project. Victim Services: The Moore administration announced nearly $60 million in state funding for organizations supporting survivors of violence and abuse.

Public Safety: Gov. Wes Moore announced nearly $60 million in FY 2027 funding for organizations supporting survivors of violence, including six new grant recipients. Maryland Politics: A new UMBC poll puts Moore’s approval at 49% as residents voice worsening economic concerns; most surveyed also oppose new data centers and a congressional redistricting amendment. Jobs & Industry: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion shipyard at Sparrows Point as part of a $6.6 billion Navy submarine-production push, with thousands of Maryland jobs expected. Moore says Trump blocked him from speaking at the project announcement. Energy Costs: Maryland joined a bipartisan governors’ coalition seeking more influence over PJM, the regional grid operator, amid rising electricity prices. Local Economy: Guinness’s Halethorpe brewery will close Nov. 1, costing 174 workers their jobs. True Food Kitchen’s Annapolis restaurant remains open during the company’s bankruptcy, while its Bethesda location has closed.

Shipbuilding and Jobs: President Trump announced a multibillion-dollar Anduril shipyard at Sparrows Point to build submarine components, with thousands of Maryland jobs promised. The news comes as US Wind abandons plans for turbine manufacturing at the site after its Ocean City project faltered. Energy and Data Centers: A new UMBC poll found most Marylanders oppose data centers, while residents’ economic concerns are worsening. Gov. Wes Moore has joined a bipartisan governors’ effort to press PJM for lower electricity costs and stronger consumer protections. Election 2026: Moore holds 49% job approval and a wide lead over Republican Dan Cox, but voters are skeptical of a proposed congressional redistricting amendment; poll respondents also favor open primaries. Baltimore Development: A draft Harborplace lease would give developer MCB a 95% tax break, according to The Brew, even as the developer has not formally applied for the downtown tax incentive. Immigration Courts: A Maryland federal judge again found DHS violated a settlement protecting asylum seekers who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and ordered the agency to stop opposing pauses in their deportation cases.

Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion submarine-components shipyard at Sparrows Point, alongside a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion. The project is expected to create more than 3,100 Maryland jobs; President Trump also announced taxpayers would receive a 40% stake, though details remain unclear. Election Outlook: A UMBC poll puts Gov. Wes Moore’s job approval at 49% and shows him leading Dan Cox 51% to 24%. But 53% oppose the redistricting measure on November’s ballot, more than three-quarters oppose new data centers, and residents’ economic views are worsening. Patuxent River: St. Mary’s County and Navy officials are coordinating on workforce shortages, transportation and land-use planning as growth around NAS Patuxent River raises concerns about aviation safety and military operations. Frederick County: The County Council will hold an Oct. 13 public hearing on proposed guidance for local immigration enforcement.

Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in a Sparrows Point shipyard making submarine components, with a further $2.9 billion from the Navy and a projected 3,100 jobs. The announcement has become a political flashpoint: the White House barred Gov. Wes Moore from speaking at the event, while Maryland approved $50,000 in taxpayer funds for his legal defense in a separate defamation suit. Business and Jobs: Moore celebrated the opening of McLaren’s $11 million vehicle-processing center at Tradepoint Atlantic, bringing skilled-work opportunities to Baltimore. In contrast, US Wind has pulled out of plans for turbine manufacturing at Sparrows Point. Election 2026: A new UMBC poll found most Maryland voters oppose the congressional redistricting amendment, while six in ten support open primaries. Orioles: The team’s business-operation layoffs include longtime fan favorites Mr. Splash and the Oriole Bird, drawing backlash from supporters.

Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion submarine-parts shipyard at Sparrows Point, backed by a $2.9 billion Navy contract and expected to create more than 3,100 jobs. President Trump promoted the project during a Baltimore County visit, while Gov. Wes Moore was barred from speaking at the event. Governor’s Race: Moore and Republican challenger Dan Cox clashed over affordability, taxes and Trump’s policies in their debate. A UMBC poll puts Moore ahead 51% to 24%; a separate poll found 53% oppose the proposed redistricting amendment, against 25% in support. Workplace Safety: Maryland agencies have received $121,150 in fines since a law honoring slain parole officer Davis Martinez took effect. State inspectors recorded 71 serious safety citations across 40 inspections.

Submarine boom in Baltimore County: President Trump announced the $6.6 billion “Arsenal-2” shipyard at Sparrows Point, with Anduril investing $3.7 billion and the Navy up to $2.9 billion, aiming to boost Virginia-class submarine component production and create 3,100+ jobs. Politics & power: The Maryland governor’s debate drew fresh scrutiny after Wes Moore wouldn’t commit to serving a full second term if re-elected, while a UMBC poll found most Marylanders oppose an easier path to congressional gerrymandering. Energy & AI: Google and Constellation struck a 20-year nuclear power deal, adding 890 MW to the PJM grid and pairing the supply with an “AI for energy” collaboration. Local governance & rules: Maryland DNR opened public comment on proposed fishing regulation changes, and Worcester County heard a pitch for a transatlantic cable project tied to a private AWS partnership. Community & safety: UMD police are searching for missing student Dilan Shaan Ashar, and a near-miss involving Second Lady Usha Vance on a helicopter stair sparked security questions online.

Suburban Privacy Fight: Easton Town Council weighed whether to ban Flock-style license plate readers, with town attorneys saying Maryland’s rules give some guardrails but the legality of a local ban is “murky,” as residents push back over privacy concerns. Election Watch: A UMBC Institute of Politics poll puts Gov. Wes Moore ahead of Dan Cox, 51% to 24%, with most support breaking cleanly along party lines. Defense & Jobs in Baltimore County: The White House barred Moore from speaking at Tradepoint Atlantic as Trump announced Anduril’s $6.6 billion push to build the Arsenal-2 shipyard at Sparrows Point, aiming to boost Virginia-class submarine component production and create thousands of jobs. Energy for AI: Google signed major power deals with Maryland-based Constellation—3.6GW total, including 890MW of upgraded nuclear under a 20-year pact—highlighting how data-center growth is driving a new wave of nuclear investment. Transit Small-Business Help: MDOT awarded $400,000 in grants to 38 small businesses along the Purple Line corridor as construction nears completion. Healthcare Costs: A new report warns primary care is projected to fall short by 2038, tied to site-of-care payment incentives that can steer patients toward higher-cost hospital settings.

Alaska LNG Talks: Vice President JD Vance said the Alaska LNG project will likely happen, but key details still need negotiation with South Korea—after Trump publicly touted a $54B South Korean investment figure that Seoul says isn’t final. Immigration Enforcement: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE highlighted weekend deportations and arrests, including people convicted of murder, child rape, sexual assault, and drug trafficking. Maryland Health Coverage: Maryland warned that changes tied to the “Big Beautiful Bill” are already cutting SNAP benefits and could trigger Medicaid coverage losses for hundreds of thousands—some due to paperwork. Purple Line Update: MTA officials told Montgomery County lawmakers the Purple Line’s opening date is “dynamic,” with the contractual Dec. 30, 2027 target still in play but safety testing could shift timing. Prince George’s Development: The Prince George’s County Council advanced the National Harbor Sphere project, approving up to $215M in bonds while labor guarantees for construction work fell short. Maryland Politics: A UMBC poll found Gov. Wes Moore leading Dan Cox for governor by roughly 2-to-1. Local Business: True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and shuttered locations including Bethesda, Maryland; Guinness also announced a Baltimore-area brewery closure.