Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced the establishment of the Maryland Center for Public-Private Partnerships at MEDCO, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation. The Center will convene public and private sectors to accelerate economic development and deliver critical infrastructure projects across Maryland.
“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.”
As a proven delivery model, public-private partnerships empower state and local governments to leverage private sector expertise, unlock new sources of capital, and build resilient communities that drive economic growth. The first of its kind in Maryland, the Center will deploy innovative financing solutions to deliver and enhance infrastructure, expand the state’s revenue base, improve housing, grow businesses, and attract and retain talent. By utilizing market-tested best practices, government and private developers can expedite critical projects, turning concepts into community-strengthening outcomes.
MEDCO brings more than 40 years of experience delivering innovative financing, infrastructure solutions, and strategic advisory services across the state. The Center will build on that foundation, offering partnership solutions that expand capacity, introduce new sources of capital, and achieve sustainable results. Public-private partnership models come in many forms, including the monetization of public assets and creation of new revenue streams, with deal structures that allow projects to remain publicly owned while distributing risk between sectors.
The Center will provide comprehensive services including advisory expertise and project stewardship from concept through execution; strategic partnership development among public, private, university, and nonprofit stakeholders; and transformative placemaking, including transit-oriented development, mixed-use centers, energy facilities, and innovation centers. Additional capabilities will include exploration of project financing options and full project delivery, coordinating all phases of construction from planning and design through engineering, development, and completion.
“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.”
“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,” said Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners Managing Director John D. Porcari. “With the unprecedented backlog of infrastructure needs across America and here in Maryland, MEDCO is bringing this important new capability to the state.”
The Center’s formation draws on deep experience with successful public-private partnerships in Maryland and nationwide. “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,” added Porcari. “MEDCO’s new Center for Public-Private Partnerships will bring important new capabilities for structuring and implementing public-private partnerships across the infrastructure spectrum.”
Bridging public sector policy with private sector innovation and executed at market speed, the Center is designed to spur long-term economic growth across Maryland.
Learn more about MEDCO’s capabilities at medco-corp.com.
