Baltimore, December 7, 2025
The Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) has been officially established to enhance economic growth and promote inclusivity in Maryland. By consolidating vital offices, DoSEM aims to remove barriers and ensure equitable support for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. Acting Secretary Walter Simmons highlighted the department’s commitment to adapting to recent federal changes while focusing on targeted initiatives to boost economic mobility for all Marylanders.
Baltimore, MD — The establishment of the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) marks a significant step towards enhancing economic growth and fostering inclusive opportunities in the state. Debuting before the House Health and Government Operations Committee on December 5, 2025, DoSEM aims to synchronize efforts from previously independent offices to streamline the promotion of social equity and economic development for all Marylanders.
Consolidated from three vital entities—the Office of Minority Business Enterprises, the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, and the Office of Social Equity from the Maryland Cannabis Administration—DoSEM’s mission focuses on removing barriers and driving substantial investments in underrepresented communities. This restructuring is a testament to Maryland’s commitment to a more inclusive economy, which emphasizes support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
As Acting Secretary Walter Simmons outlined, the department is responding to both opportunities and challenges. With recent changes from the U.S. Department of Transportation that eliminate race- and sex-based presumptions of social disadvantage, DoSEM is set to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses continue to receive the necessary support despite potential setbacks.
### Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The recent directive from the federal government poses a challenge, particularly affecting approximately 7,000 businesses in Maryland. This change removes crucial support structures that historically aided disadvantaged groups in navigating the complex economic landscape. Nonetheless, under Simmons’s leadership, DoSEM is ready to adapt by focusing on targeted initiatives that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all businesses.
Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, chair of the committee, expressed optimism regarding the department’s formation, highlighting its vital role in maintaining equity as a coordinated priority within the state government. The combined efforts of DoSEM will offer a robust support system for local businesses, facilitating growth in sectors that contribute significantly to Baltimore’s and Maryland’s economy.
### DoSEM’s Mission in Action
DoSEM is tasked with critically evaluating existing state programs and offering recommendations to enhance their effectiveness. The findings from these evaluations will be reported to the governor and the General Assembly by July 1, 2026. This proactive approach is designed to foster an environment of accountability and progress while remaining attentive to the unique needs of Maryland’s diverse communities.
The creation of DoSEM represents an opportunity to ensure that economic growth is not only substantial but also inclusive. By identifying and addressing systemic barriers, the department aligns with the values of resilience and determination that characterize Maryland’s entrepreneurial spirit.
### Promoting Economic Mobility
At its core, DoSEM’s objective is to advance social and economic mobility by investing in programs tailored to underrepresented populations. The department aims to facilitate partnerships within the community, leveraging local knowledge to craft strategies for economic empowerment. These initiatives are vital for driving innovation and sustaining Baltimore’s small business ecosystem, known for its creativity and ingenuity.
### Looking Ahead
As the department charts its future course, the focus will remain on balancing governmental support with the entrepreneurial ambitions of Maryland’s residents. A holistic approach to economic mobility necessitates collaboration among public, private, and community sectors to maximize resources and talents.
In conclusion, DoSEM’s establishment and subsequent developments indicate Maryland’s unwavering commitment to creating a fair economic landscape that nurtures the ambitions of all its citizens. By supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, we can cultivate a more dynamic and buoyant Maryland economy that thrives on innovation.
Supporting local businesses is key to fostering resilience and ensuring sustained economic growth. Engage with your community, explore local offerings, and champion entrepreneurial endeavors throughout Baltimore to help harness this momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM)?
- DoSEM is a state department established on October 1, 2025, to advance social and economic mobility for all Marylanders by removing barriers and investing in inclusive opportunities. It consolidates three existing offices: the Office of Minority Business Enterprises from the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, and the Office of Social Equity from the Maryland Cannabis Administration.
- What challenges did DoSEM face during its first committee appearance?
- During its inaugural appearance on December 5, 2025, Acting Secretary Walter Simmons addressed a federal directive from the U.S. Department of Transportation that removes race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage. This change could potentially affect up to 7,000 businesses in Maryland, particularly minority and women-owned businesses.
- What is DoSEM’s mission?
- DoSEM’s mission is to advance social and economic mobility for all Marylanders by removing barriers and investing in inclusive opportunities.
- What is the significance of DoSEM’s formation?
- The formation of DoSEM underscores Maryland’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economic environment and addressing systemic barriers to social and economic mobility.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Consolidated Offices | Office of Minority Business Enterprises, Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, Office of Social Equity from the Maryland Cannabis Administration |
| Mission | Advance social and economic mobility for all Marylanders by removing barriers and investing in inclusive opportunities |
| Federal Challenge | U.S. Department of Transportation’s directive removing race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage, potentially affecting up to 7,000 businesses in Maryland |
| Committee Appearance | December 5, 2025, before the House Health and Government Operations Committee |
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