ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced April 2, 2026, the creation of the Maryland Center for Public-Private Partnerships at MEDCO, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation. The new center aims to speed economic development and deliver critical infrastructure projects by uniting public and private sector resources across the state.
The center marks the first initiative of its kind in Maryland. It will connect state and local governments with private developers, universities and nonprofit organizations to tackle complex challenges through innovative financing and partnership models.
“When we bring partners to the table, we can tackle complex challenges that once seemed impossible,” said Gov. Moore. “The Maryland Center for Public-Private Partnerships at Maryland Economic Development Corporation will help us do exactly that, connecting public entities with private sector innovators, universities, and nonprofit leaders to create lasting change in our communities.”
Public-private partnerships allow governments to tap private sector expertise, capital and efficiency while keeping projects under public ownership. The center will focus on expanding revenue streams, improving housing, growing businesses, attracting talent and building resilient infrastructure.
MEDCO, with more than 40 years of experience in innovative financing and infrastructure solutions, will house the center. It will offer advisory services, project stewardship from planning through completion, strategic partnership building and support for placemaking initiatives such as transit-oriented development, mixed-use centers, energy facilities and innovation hubs.
“By bringing together the strengths of the private and public sectors, the Center can deliver smart, cost-effective solutions to address real community needs,” said MEDCO Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Tom Sadowski. “From transportation to energy, infrastructure to housing, this effort will accelerate progress and strengthen communities statewide.”
John D. Porcari, Managing Director at Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners, highlighted the value of these models. “Public-private partnerships are a proven mechanism to limit cost, schedule and operations risk for public sector infrastructure projects, as well as providing project financing,” Porcari said. “With the unprecedented backlog of infrastructure needs across America and here in Maryland, MEDCO is bringing this important new capability to the state.”
Porcari drew on his experience with successful Maryland and national projects, including the Seagirt container terminal at the Port of Baltimore. “I saw firsthand successful public-private partnerships at the Seagirt container terminal at the Port of Baltimore, and airport, port, bridge, rail, and other projects across the country successfully delivering critically needed infrastructure projects,” he added. “MEDCO’s new Center for Public-Private Partnerships will bring important new capabilities for structuring and implementing public-private partnerships across the infrastructure spectrum.”
In Southern Maryland, the center could support projects that enhance economic opportunities in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. Potential applications include transportation improvements, energy developments and mixed-use developments that align with regional growth plans while addressing housing and workforce needs.
The announcement builds on MEDCO’s established role in delivering financing and advisory services statewide. Partnership structures may involve monetizing public assets or creating new revenue streams, with risks shared between sectors and projects remaining publicly owned.
By operating at market speed and bridging public policy with private innovation, the center seeks to reduce project timelines and costs while expanding Maryland’s economic base. Officials expect it to help convert concepts into tangible outcomes that strengthen communities.
Southern Maryland leaders and businesses interested in potential collaborations can monitor updates through MEDCO and state economic development channels as the center begins operations.
The initiative reflects a strategic push to leverage partnerships for long-term growth amid infrastructure demands and economic priorities across Maryland.
