Maryland is facing a decline in economic competitiveness, ranking low nationally for business climate, with high taxes and significant population loss each year. Business formation is sluggish, with closures nearly matching openings and startup survival rates dropping sharply, while neighboring states maintain stronger growth. High costs, new taxes and regulatory pressures are driving companies to expand or relocate out of state, limiting job creation and economic opportunity for residents. The state’s heavy tax burden, rising cost of living and shrinking talent pool create a cycle where limited business growth reduces revenue, forcing higher taxes or reduced public services. Maryland’s policy decisions in 2026 on taxation, energy, housing and regulation will be pivotal in determining whether the state can reverse these trends.
What Maryland needs: Our state needs practical solutions, including lowering costs, streamlining regulations, expanding housing affordability and creating conditions for businesses to invest, hire and grow locally. Aligning policymakers, business leaders and communities around these measures is essential to ensure economic vitality, career opportunities and stronger communities.
