Governor Wes Moore announced the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act of 2026 on January 9, 2026, proposing legislative changes to enhance Maryland’s economic competitiveness by strengthening programs under the Department of Commerce and attracting private investment, particularly in lighthouse industries.
The bill aims to increase the return on investment for existing economic development tools through extensions, modernizations, and administrative shifts. Key provisions include extending the Build Our Future Grant Program to 2030 with matching grants of up to $2 million for innovative infrastructure in high-growth sectors, and transferring its administration to the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) for streamlined processing and broader business access.
The legislation also revitalizes the Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone Program by moving administration to MEDCO, extending zone certification and rental assistance eligibility, establishing RISE Zone Catchment Areas for community development, removing restrictive start-up business requirements, and adding an option for quantum-focused zones to leverage higher education and federal assets for job creation.
Additional measures modernize the Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund by shifting administration to the Maryland Department of Commerce for greater flexibility in targeting incentives to major business attraction projects in priority sectors. The bill extends the Research and Development Tax Credit to 2031 and the Employer Security Clearance Cost Tax Credit to 2032, offering income tax credits to small businesses involved in security-based contract work. It eliminates the $10 million per-production cap on the Film Production Activity Tax Credit to attract larger film projects, increasing employment and economic activity.
Moore stated, “You can’t have a competitive state without a growing economy, and you cannot have a growing economy without a clear economic strategy. By making big bets on lighthouse industries and investing in Maryland businesses, we are positioning Maryland to lead the nation, drive innovation, and create new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”
The announcement builds on 2025 achievements, including more than $10 billion in private investment attracted, nearly $174 million in funding awarded to create or retain over 4,800 jobs, international missions to Asia, partnerships with Microsoft and DARPA for the $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative, a $2 billion AstraZeneca investment in Frederick and Gaithersburg supporting 2,600 jobs, and Samsung Biologics’ expansion in Rockville retaining over 500 jobs.
Senate Finance Committee Vice Chair Antonio Hayes said, “I am enthusiastic to work with the governor and the administration on his roadmap to economic development and revitalization for the state of Maryland. His effort to restructure and incentivize programs, like the Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone (RISE) will help attract businesses and create jobs unlocking the potential of communities where they are located.”
House of Delegates Economic Development Subcommittee Chair Lily Qi stated, “I am pleased to see the Governor’s strong focus on growing Maryland’s economy, which should be every elected leader’s top priority. The past year’s federal actions reminded us of the risk of our super dependency on federal spending. This is the time to double down on our resolve to support strategic industries, remove barriers to doing business in Maryland, and expand opportunities for our communities.”
The proposal occurs amid ongoing fiscal challenges. State projections indicate a structural budget deficit of approximately $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion entering the 2026 legislative session for fiscal 2027, following resolution of a larger gap for fiscal 2026 through prior cuts and revenue measures. Out-year deficits are expected to grow, with estimates reaching around $3.4 billion to $3.5 billion by fiscal 2030, largely driven by education spending under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future as its dedicated fund depletes.
The DECADE Act focuses on program enhancements without direct new spending commitments, aiming to boost private sector growth to support long-term revenue. No specific Southern Maryland impacts from the bill were detailed in available sources, though statewide initiatives could benefit regions through job creation in sectors like quantum technology and manufacturing.