Friday Five
May 1, 2026 | This week's latest on Maryland business and government
1 — Maryland residents are moving to Delaware for lower costs, tax relief
Rising property taxes, utility costs and overall living expenses are pushing more Maryland residents to consider relocating, with many citing affordability as a key reason for leaving the state. As outmigration trends continue, lower-tax neighboring states like Delaware are becoming increasingly attractive, particularly for retirees and long-term homeowners seeking greater financial stability.
Ongoing outmigration: Maryland’s comptroller reports about 127,000 residents left Maryland for other states between 2021 and 2023, and 18,000 left Maryland from July 2023 to July 2024.
2 — State to ‘off ramp’ Key Bridge contractor as work continues
Maryland is moving to replace its lead contractor for the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild after Phase 2 cost proposals came in far above state estimates, prompting officials to seek a new construction partner while keeping current design and early construction work on schedule through the end of 2026. State leaders say the shift is intended to protect taxpayers, maintain safety and speed, and keep the critical infrastructure project advancing despite concerns about timeline impacts.
Quoted: “Maryland and the U.S. Department of Transportation are aligned that we all have an obligation to deliver this bridge in a cost effective, timely and responsible way that meets the highest safety standards. There’s no daylight between us on that,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Kathryn Thomson.
3 — Maryland secures $39.7 million to boost Baltimore's container capacity and jobs
Maryland secured nearly $39.7 million in federal funding to expand freight and container capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic’s Sparrows Point terminal, a major investment expected to increase Port of Baltimore cargo capacity by roughly 70 percent while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. State and federal leaders view the project as a significant step in strengthening Maryland’s supply chain, global trade competitiveness and long-term economic growth.
Full steam ahead: Tradepoint Atlantic has pressed ahead with other capacity upgrades, including a $35 million bulk cargo conveyance system announced last year to improve handling across its operations.
4 — Maryland voting maps face new scrutiny after SCOTUS ruling
A major U.S. Supreme Court ruling has significantly narrowed how the Voting Rights Act can be used to challenge electoral maps, raising the legal standard for proving racial discrimination and giving states greater flexibility to defend redistricting decisions as politically motivated rather than race-based. In Maryland, the decision could trigger new legal scrutiny of recently redrawn local districts and complicate enforcement of the state’s new Voting Rights Act, while reshaping future battles over representation at both the state and local levels.
In Maryland: While Maryland didn't pass new congressional maps this year, Governor Moore emphasized that Maryland “met the moment” when he signed the Maryland Voting Rights Act into law, which prohibits vote dilution at the county and municipal level.
5 — Inflation posts biggest gain in nearly three years in March
U.S. inflation accelerated sharply in March, with the Federal Reserve’s preferred Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising 0.7 percent for the month and 3.5 percent annually — the largest yearly increase in nearly three years — largely driven by surging gasoline and energy costs tied to global conflict. Higher prices boosted consumer spending in nominal terms, but persistent inflation is increasing pressure on households and may keep interest rates elevated longer as policymakers weigh ongoing economic uncertainty.
Spending figures: Inflation boosted consumer spending in March. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity, surged 0.9 percent after rising 0.6 percent near the start of the year.
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The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocacy organization — committed to working with our alliance of partners on critical public policy issues. With a focus on economic development and grassroots advocacy, we impact policies that directly affect Maryland business.
