Friday Five
July 10, 2026 | This week's latest on Maryland business and government
1 — Maryland falls to 36th in CNBC's Top States for Business
Maryland ranked 36th in CNBC’s 2026 Top States for Business rankings, falling from 32nd in 2025, and continuing to trail many neighboring states as concerns persist over business friendliness, affordability and the cost of doing business. While the state continues to earn high marks for its skilled workforce and innovation economy, the rankings suggest Maryland faces ongoing challenges in attracting new investment and competing with faster-growing regional economies.
More on CNBC rankings: Maryland also declined in CNBC's rankings for Education (11th to 16th) and Workforce (21st to 30th), while improving in Business Friendliness (37th to 33rd) and Infrastructure (23rd to 17th).
2 — Maryland legislature to convene for August special session on redistricting ballot question
Maryland lawmakers will convene for a special legislative session Aug. 3-5 to consider placing a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would revise the state's congressional redistricting standards in response to recent court decisions. Supporters say the measure would provide a clearer legal framework while allowing voters to make the final decision, while Republican lawmakers argue the effort is aimed at reshaping congressional districts for partisan advantage and want the session to focus instead on affordability and other pressing state issues.
Also: The Maryland General Assembly may also consider gubernatorial vetoes during special session. Under the Maryland Constitution, vetoes issued after the regular legislative session are considered at the next regular or special session, and overriding a veto requires a three-fifths vote of both chambers.
3 — Maryland energy standards will put businesses out of business
Maryland's new Building Energy Performance Standards are drawing criticism from business groups and property owners who argue the costly emissions-reduction requirements will increase operating expenses, discourage investment and make it more difficult for businesses to remain competitive in the state. Supporters view the standards as an important step toward achieving Maryland's climate goals, but opponents contend the mandates should be repealed or revised to avoid placing additional financial burdens on employers and commercial property owners.
Why it matters: The concerns highlighted in the article echo those raised by the Maryland Chamber throughout the implementation of BEPS — that without meaningful changes, the program will increase operating costs, discourage investment and make Maryland less competitive for business.
4 — Maryland could spend $1 billion repairing Bay Bridge, then destroy it
Maryland is investing more than $1 billion to preserve the aging Chesapeake Bay Bridge while simultaneously planning its long-term replacement, highlighting the cost of decades of delaying a new crossing despite growing traffic and infrastructure demands. State officials say the repairs are necessary to safely maintain the bridge until a replacement is built. Transportation experts, however, warn that further delays will only increase costs and prolong congestion, economic impacts and public safety risks.
Our take: A modern Chesapeake Bay crossing is critical to Maryland's long-term economic competitiveness. Improving connectivity between the Eastern and Western Shores will strengthen commerce, enhance mobility and support the reliable movement of people and goods.
5 — Benefit or penalty? Views differ on Maryland’s new leave insurance plan
Maryland's paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program will require nearly all employers to participate or provide a state-approved alternative beginning in 2027, with employee benefits becoming available in 2028. Supporters say the program will provide critical financial security for workers during major life events, but many employers and business groups warn it will increase costs, add administrative burdens and further challenge Maryland's business competitiveness, particularly for small businesses already facing rising expenses.
By the numbers: An analysis by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services shows the expected cost of the FAMLI program to the state’s economy has more than doubled since the law was enacted in 2022. The price is now projected to reach $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 alone.
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The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocacy organization — committed to working with our alliance of partners on critical public policy issues. With a focus on economic development and grassroots advocacy, we impact policies that directly affect Maryland business.
