Baltimore, Maryland, January 10, 2026
Governor Wes Moore has introduced the DECADE Act, a legislative initiative aimed at improving Maryland’s economic competitiveness. The Act focuses on key industries and aims to streamline development processes by modernizing grant programs and extending tax credits. Key provisions include the revitalization of the RISE Zone Program and support for the film industry. The Act represents a commitment to bolster Maryland’s growth and innovation in sectors such as life sciences, cybersecurity, and aerospace.
Baltimore MD: DECADE Act Aims to Boost Economic Competitiveness
Governor Wes Moore’s new initiative focuses on growth in key industries and streamlined development.
Baltimore, Maryland – Governor Wes Moore has announced the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act of 2026, a legislative initiative aimed at enhancing Maryland’s economic competitiveness by focusing on key industries and streamlining development processes. The announcement was made at City Garage, a hub for life sciences and advanced manufacturing in Baltimore.
Key Provisions of the DECADE Act
- Extension and Modernization of the Build Our Future Grant Program: The Act proposes extending this program through 2030, providing matching grants of up to $2 million to support infrastructure development in high-growth sectors. Administration of the program would be transferred to the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) to improve efficiency and expand opportunities for Maryland businesses.
- Revitalization of the RISE Zone Program: The Act aims to modernize and strengthen this initiative by moving its administration to MEDCO, extending zone certification and rental assistance eligibility, creating “RISE Zone Catchment Areas” to enhance community development, and removing restrictive eligibility requirements for start-up businesses. The program continues to leverage higher education and federal facility assets to attract businesses and create jobs, with a new option for quantum-focused zones.
- Modernization of the Strategic Fund: The Act proposes transferring the administration of the Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund to the Maryland Department of Commerce to increase flexibility in targeting incentives to major business attraction projects in target sectors.
- Extension of Tax Credits: The legislation seeks to provide long-term certainty for businesses by extending the Research and Development Tax Credit to 2031 and the Employer Security Clearance Cost Tax Credit until 2032, offering income tax credits to small Maryland businesses that perform security-based contract work.
- Encouragement of Film Industry Growth: The Act proposes eliminating the $10 million per-production cap for the Film Production Activity Tax Credit, allowing Maryland to secure larger productions that will hire more Marylanders and engage more Maryland businesses, creating greater economic impact.
Focus on Key Industries
The DECADE Act emphasizes Maryland’s commitment to strengthening its economy by focusing on “lighthouse industries,” including life sciences, biocomputing, cybersecurity, quantum computing, aerospace, and defense. Governor Moore highlighted that the state’s challenge is not a lack of assets—such as institutions like Johns Hopkins University, the National Institutes of Health, Fort Meade, and NASA Goddard—but a lack of alignment. The DECADE Act aims to close this gap by focusing investment, reforming permitting and regulatory pathways, and sunsetting programs that data shows are not delivering results.
Next Steps
The DECADE Act now moves from announcement to legislative scrutiny, where details around funding levels, program reforms, and implementation timelines will be discussed. The Act is part of Governor Moore’s broader strategy to diversify Maryland’s economy and invest in the future, ensuring that entrepreneurs have a path to long-term growth. The 2026 legislative session begins next week in Annapolis, where the Act will be presented for consideration.
Background
Governor Wes Moore became the 63rd governor of Maryland on January 18, 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he defeated far-right state delegate Dan Cox in the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election in a landslide, becoming the state’s first African-American governor. Since taking office, Moore has prioritized economic development, public safety, and education, implementing various initiatives to strengthen Maryland’s economy and improve the quality of life for its residents.
FAQ
What is the DECADE Act?
The DECADE Act is a legislative initiative announced by Governor Wes Moore aimed at enhancing Maryland’s economic competitiveness by focusing on key industries and streamlining development processes.
What are the key provisions of the DECADE Act?
The key provisions include the extension and modernization of the Build Our Future Grant Program, revitalization of the RISE Zone Program, modernization of the Strategic Fund, extension of tax credits, and encouragement of film industry growth.
Which industries does the DECADE Act focus on?
The Act focuses on “lighthouse industries,” including life sciences, biocomputing, cybersecurity, quantum computing, aerospace, and defense.
What is the next step for the DECADE Act?
The Act will be presented for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins next week in Annapolis.
Who is Governor Wes Moore?
Governor Wes Moore is the 63rd governor of Maryland, elected in 2022 as the state’s first African-American governor. He has prioritized economic development, public safety, and education during his tenure.
Key Features of the DECADE Act
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Extension and Modernization of Build Our Future Grant Program | Extends the program through 2030, providing matching grants up to $2 million for infrastructure in high-growth sectors, with administration moved to MEDCO for efficiency. |
| Revitalization of RISE Zone Program | Modernizes the program by transferring administration to MEDCO, extending zone certification and rental assistance, creating “RISE Zone Catchment Areas,” and removing restrictive eligibility for start-ups, leveraging higher education and federal assets to attract businesses and create jobs, with a new option for quantum-focused zones. |
| Modernization of Strategic Fund | Transfers administration of the Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund to the Maryland Department of Commerce to increase flexibility in targeting incentives to major business attraction projects in target sectors. |
| Extension of Tax Credits | Extends the Research and Development Tax Credit to 2031 and the Employer Security Clearance Cost Tax Credit until 2032, offering income tax credits to small Maryland businesses performing security-based contract work. |
| Encouragement of Film Industry Growth | Eliminates the $10 million per-production cap for the Film Production Activity Tax Credit, allowing Maryland to secure larger productions that will hire more Marylanders and engage more Maryland businesses, creating greater economic impact. |
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