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Maryland & District of Columbia

Blue Wave Hits Hard, Countdown to Session, The District’s New Leadership, FAMLI and Procurement Opportunities

Maryland voters went to the polls last Tuesday for the Gubernatorial General Election. As of today, not every race has been officially called. Please see the attached summary and new updates below:

• Governor: Democratic incumbent Wes Moore won reelection to a second term, defeating Republican Dan Cox by approximately 33 percentage points.
• Congressional Delegation: Democrats retained all seven of Maryland's Democratic-held U.S. House seats, while Republican Andy Harris won reelection in District 1.
• Statewide Elections: Democrats swept the major statewide races.
  • Democrats picked up 3 House Seats and 1 State Senate Seat

Last week’s results reinforce Democratic control of Maryland state government and give Governor Moore another four years to advance his legislative agenda.

In addition to federal, state, and local contests, voters considered a statewide constitutional amendment to allow mid-cycle redistricting of Maryland's eight congressional districts. Appearing on the ballot as Question 3 and strongly supported by Governor Wes Moore and Democratic legislative leadership, the measure passed with approximately 60% of the vote based on current results.

The Maryland General Assembly starts in 64 days!

The District Enters a New Era of Change

Washington, D.C. is preparing for a significant leadership transition following the November 3, 2026, general election. The city will have a new mayor for the first time in more than a decade, along with several new faces on the D.C. Council.

New D.C. government leadership

Mayor: Janeese Lewis George- Elected

Council Chairman: Phil Mendelson- Reelected
Democrat. Retains leadership of the 13-member D.C. Council.

U.S. Congressional Delegate: Robert C. White Jr.
Elected- Will succeed longtime Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton as D.C.'s nonvoting representative in Congress.

Attorney General: Brian Schwalb- Reelected
Democrat. Will continue serving as the District's chief legal officer.

D.C. Council – 2027
The following are the election winners and continuing members:

Several policy areas will be worth watching leading up to January’s changing of the guard:

1. Business taxation: Mayor-elect Lewis George has discussed a potential business activity tax (BAT) to help fund universal childcare.
2. Workforce policy: Her record includes support for workers' rights, labor protections and tenant protections.
3. Housing and development: Her administration has discussed a goal of 72,000 new housing units. This equals to 12,000 new units per year.
4. Transportation and infrastructure: Development, permitting, public infrastructure and transportation policy will remain important issues.

Upcoming FAMLI webinars: Intro to FAMLI and Understanding FAMLI Registration

Intro to FAMLI Webinar November 17 from 9:30am- 11:00am

This webinar will cover general questions about Maryland's forthcoming paid family and medical leave program. The material covered in this webinar will be similar to what was presented in previous sessions, including:

• What is Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)?
• How will FAMLI work in Maryland?
• What do employers and Third-Party Agents need to know to start registration?

If you have basic questions about FAMLI and have not previously attended one of our webinars, this session is for you!

RSVP for Intro to FAMLI Webinar

Understanding FAMLI Registration Webinar November 24 from 1:00pm- 2:00pm

In this webinar, we’ll provide a demonstration of the registration process, and talk about common missteps and what employers and Third-Party Agents need to know to get started.

RSVP for Understanding FAMLI Registration Webinar

Montgomery County Office of Procurement fall Procurement Fair

Learn how to do business with Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Office of Procurement invites you to our Procurement Fair.

• Learn how to do business with Montgomery County through education sessions
• Network with your peers and exhibitors
• Discover upcoming procurement opportunities

Sessions:

• Local and MFD Certifying Agencies Panel Discussion
• Upcoming Procurement Opportunities Panel Discussion

ABC Chapters Holiday Parties

Maryland & District of Columbia

Thank You Prince George’s County Leadership for Preserving Open Competition on Sphere Project

ABC of Metro Washington would like to thank Prince George’s County leadership and the numerous ABC members who spent the past two months advocating to keep the Sphere at National Harbor project open to all qualified construction workers and businesses.

For decades, Prince George’s County residents have watched major development projects rise in their communities, only to see many of the construction jobs and contracting opportunities go to individuals and businesses from outside the County. This week’s approval of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation for the Sphere at National Harbor represents an important step toward ensuring that Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), local contractors, and qualified construction workers have a fair opportunity to participate in this historic project.

ABC of Metro Washington and the Maryland Coalition for Fairness and Open Competition thank County Executive Aisha Braveboy and the Prince George’s County Council for advancing this transformative development while preserving open competition. We especially recognize County Executive Braveboy’s leadership in promoting economic opportunity for Prince George’s County residents. By supporting a clean TIF bill without a project labor agreement mandate, County leadership has helped preserve a competitive bidding process that allows qualified local businesses to pursue contracts across the project.

This outcome is about more than one development. It is about ensuring public investment creates meaningful economic opportunities for the communities it is intended to serve. Open competition allows qualified contractors of all sizes, including MBEs and local small businesses, to compete for work based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to deliver.

ABC of Metro Washington looks forward to working with County leadership, Sphere project representatives, and our members to connect qualified local contractors with upcoming opportunities and help ensure Prince George’s County businesses and residents share in the project’s long-term success.

Together, we can make the Sphere at National Harbor a model for economic opportunity, local participation, and open competition.

Maryland State Senate Announces Leadership Changes

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) announced yesterday a slate of new leadership appointments in the Senate of Maryland.

The Senate is poised to lead Maryland over the next four years as the state tackles a $2.5 billion budget shortfall, redesigns healthcare delivery, lowers costs for Marylanders, and leverages technology to increase economic diversity and improve government service delivery and accountability.

Understanding the need for overarching leadership and strategy, the Senate is redesigning key leadership roles to best position its talents to address the challenges ahead. First, it is expanding the role of majority leader. The new position, majority leader and chief of policy, will focus on solving problems using legislative solutions and oversight.

Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) will chair the Finance Committee, which handles issues related to healthcare, insurance, labor, business regulation, and economic development. The committee also will become primary jurisdiction for legislation related to artificial intelligence.

“The Senate Finance Committee sits at the center of policies that Marylanders rely on to ease burdens and build prosperity,” said Ferguson. “Senator Hayes’ ability to collaborate, bring people to the table, and develop thoughtful solutions ensures the committee will be able to balance the needs of families and business across the state.”

Hayes will be the first Black man to chair the Finance Committee.

Working alongside Hayes will be Sen. Katie Fry Hester (D-Howard and Montgomery), who will become vice chair of the Finance Committee.

“The Finance Committee will benefit greatly from Senator Hester’s knowledge of state government and relationships within the Senate,” said Ferguson.

Showcasing Merit Shop Construction Across Maryland

As we close out 2026 and look ahead to 2027, Chris Garvey of ABC of Chesapeake Shores reminds ABC members of the importance of showcasing the great work being done by merit shop contractors and supporting businesses throughout Maryland.

One of the best ways to demonstrate our industry’s value is by inviting elected officials to see these projects firsthand. Groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and topping-out ceremonies provide excellent opportunities to highlight the skilled workforce, quality construction, and economic contributions of ABC members.

ABC members: Please reach out to your local chapter leadership to share upcoming project milestones and events. Together, we can create opportunities for ABC to engage local, state, and federal policymakers, strengthen relationships with elected officials, and publicize the positive impact of merit shop construction across our state.

Let’s make sure policymakers see the people, projects, and businesses building Maryland’s future!

Maryland & District of Columbia

Maryland Election Season Is Here — The Countdown to Legislative Session Begins

Early voting is underway in Maryland, giving voters an opportunity to make their voices heard ahead of the November 3 General Election. As we head into election season, the decisions made at the ballot box will help shape Maryland’s leadership and policy priorities for years to come.

At the same time, the countdown to the 2027 Maryland General Assembly session is on. With the legislative session beginning in January, now is the time for the construction industry to engage with candidates, strengthen relationships with elected officials, and prepare to advocate for policies that support open competition, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and a strong business climate. Your voice matters—at the ballot box and in Annapolis.

Sphere Bonding Bill heads to Final Passage- New Study Finds PLAs Continue to Add Additional Cost to Taxpayers

The Sphere bonding legislation is moving toward final passage in Prince George’s County, marking a significant step forward for the project. Throughout the process, efforts to impose a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) have raised concerns about increased costs to taxpayers, restricted competition, and limited opportunities for local contractors. ABC continues to advocate for open competition, ensuring all qualified contractors have a fair opportunity to compete while protecting taxpayers from unnecessary costs. If you would like to attend Tuesday’s final hearing, please let Matt Teffeau know at [email protected]

Study: Healey’s executive order on Project Labor Agreements could cost state billions

The Fiscal Alliance Foundation study found the executive order could result in increased costs and restricted competition

The BAT Tax is Coming to D.C. – Webinar Slides and Information Available for Members

The D.C. Council is actively considering a proposed Business Activity Tax (BAT) as one of seven potential tax increases to address the District’s projected budget shortfall. The proposal was discussed at a public hearing on October 16, 2026. Washington Post Story- DC Hearing

Key Takeaways from Public Hearing:

• Proposed rate: 1.4% tax on certain business activity.
• Who could be affected: Pass-through businesses, including professional services firms, that are not currently covered by the District’s existing corporate and unincorporated business franchise taxes. The proposal could also affect some firms headquartered outside D.C.
• Potential revenue: Estimates suggest approximately $500 million annually.
• Next steps: The D.C. CFO’s feasibility study is expected by the end of January 2027, with decisions likely tied to the FY2028 budget process.

The proposal raises questions about the cost of operating in the District, regional competitiveness with Maryland and Virginia, and the potential impact on businesses and investment. The tax’s legal viability and implementation details remain unresolved.

In case you missed last month’s webinar, please click here for the informational slides.

U.S. Senate committee leaders have reached an agreement on permitting reform and introduced S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. Now, ABC needs your help in urging senators to support this important legislation.

With the 119th Congress nearing its end, we need your help getting this legislation across the finish line. Click the link below to urge your senators to support S. 5653 and advance meaningful permitting reform -

Contact Your Legislator

Last Call- Building Tomorrow’s Data Centers: What You Need to Know

Data center construction is rapidly evolving. Join industry leaders for an engaging panel discussion exploring the future of data center construction. Hear directly from the experts, gain practical insights and connect with the people shaping the next generation of data center construction.

Panelists will include:

• Brandon Ripley, Senior Vice President, Construction & Power Infrastructure, Penzance – Moderator
• Tim Anderson, CEO, Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)
• Mike DeSarno, Executive Vice President, Rock Spring Contracting, LLC
• Mike Hurley, Vice President, Clark Technologies, a division of Clark Construction Group, LLC
• TJ Sawner, Project Executive, Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC

Location & Registration Details:- Registration Link
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 8:00-10:30AM
The Highlands at Germantown, 20260 Goldenrod Ln, Germantown, MD.

Maryland Workplace Fraud Task Force Meeting – How to Participate

The Maryland Department of Labor’s Joint Enforcement Task Force on Workplace Fraud holds public meetings focused on worker misclassification, enforcement of employment laws, and ensuring fair competition among businesses. These discussions are particularly relevant to Maryland’s construction industry and merit-shop contractors.

The next meeting is listed for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Interested members can visit the Maryland Department of Labor’s meeting webpage and click “Register for the meeting” to sign up. Review the posted agenda and registration details in advance.

ABC members are encouraged to participate and stay informed about discussions that could affect contractor compliance, workforce classification, and the business environment in Maryland.