AGP Executive Report

Corporate Leadership: Fulton-based Ciena named Monika Fahlbusch, formerly Epic Games’ chief people officer, to lead its global people strategy. Manufacturing Investment: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic as part of a $6.6 billion submarine-production push, with thousands of Maryland jobs expected. Data Center Debate: A UMBC poll found broad opposition to new data centers, while a developer is suing Frederick County over its construction moratorium—raising questions about how the state balances local concerns with investment. Paid Leave: Maryland approved $65.6 million for its paid-leave program ahead of payroll contributions beginning in 2027.

Small-Business Support: Takoma Park is offering grants of up to $30,000 for businesses to electrify, while Maryland transportation officials have awarded $400,000 to 38 small businesses along the Purple Line. Baltimore Business Climate: City businesses are raising concerns about repeat break-ins and crime, adding pressure on officials to improve safety for local employers. Sparrows Point Investment: Anduril’s proposed Maryland shipyard could bring thousands of jobs, with reports citing a $3.7 billion project plan and a broader $6.6 billion Navy shipbuilding effort. The project would be a major industrial bet on the state, though US Wind has pulled out of plans for turbine manufacturing at the site. Harborplace Scrutiny: A draft lease would give developer MCB a 95% tax break for its Inner Harbor project, but the developer reportedly never formally applied for the downtown tax incentive. Economic Concerns: A UMBC poll found Maryland voters increasingly worried about the economy as businesses face rising costs; energy affordability remains a prominent concern.

Economic Mood: A new UMBC poll finds 81% of likely Maryland voters rate the state’s economy over the past year as poor or fair, making affordability a key election concern. Manufacturing: The Navy and Anduril plan a $6.6 billion submarine-components shipyard at Sparrows Point, with thousands of jobs projected. The promise comes as US Wind has withdrawn from plans to manufacture turbines there after its Ocean City project faltered. Development Tensions: A Frederick County data-center developer is suing over the county’s construction moratorium, amid polling that found widespread opposition to new data centers. Main Street: Federal Hill brunch spot Blue Moon Too plans to close next spring; its owner cited neighborhood crime. Agriculture: Maryland is promoting state-grown wood in public construction, while Gov. Wes Moore signed an emergency order easing diesel restrictions for agriculture and forestry.

Startup Support: Howard County’s Economic Development Authority is giving Maryland Innovation Center members access to CloudOffix’s business platform, aiming to help startups manage operations as they grow. Farm Costs: Gov. Wes Moore signed an order easing diesel-fuel restrictions for agricultural and forestry businesses during harvest season, after industry groups pressed for relief. Hospital Finances: State officials are reviewing whether nonprofit hospitals’ offshore captive-insurance accounts should owe Maryland taxes, a question that could affect state revenue and hospital finances. Major Investment: Anduril’s planned Sparrows Point submarine-components shipyard remains a major economic bet: the company expects to invest $3.7 billion and create more than 3,100 direct jobs, with operations targeted for 2030. Development Dispute: A data-center developer is suing Frederick County over its moratorium, highlighting tensions between large-scale projects and local land-use controls.

Horse Industry: Maryland unveiled its first statewide plan for an industry estimated to generate $2.9 billion a year, with priorities including workforce training, horse welfare and equestrian tourism. Harborplace Deal: A draft lease reportedly would give developer MCB a 95% tax break for its Inner Harbor project, though another report says the company has not formally applied for the break. Worker Costs: State fiscal officers approved $65.6 million for Maryland’s paid-leave system before workers begin contributing in 2027. Industrial Investment: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion submarine-parts shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic, projected to create more than 3,100 jobs; the Navy has awarded up to $2.9 billion for the project.

Harvest Costs: Gov. Wes Moore declared an emergency as Maryland diesel hit a record $6.47 a gallon, allowing qualifying farm and forestry vehicles to use tax-exempt dyed fuel on public roads and waiving certain hauling-permit fees. Data Center Dispute: Quantum Maryland is suing Frederick County over its moratorium on new data center applications, alleging political interference and seeking to move its project forward. Energy Affordability: Maryland joined a new governors’ collaboration in PJM territory to coordinate on electricity costs and consumer protections. Paid Leave: The state approved $65.6 million for its paid-leave system ahead of worker contributions beginning in 2027. Major Investment: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion Sparrows Point shipyard, backed by a $2.9 billion Navy contract, is expected to create 3,100 direct jobs and support thousands more.

Paid Leave: Maryland approved $65.6 million to keep building the state’s family and medical leave system. Employer contributions start in 2027; benefits are scheduled to begin in 2028. Industry Growth: The state’s first horse-industry plan aims to grow a sector valued at $2.9 billion. Economic Mood: A new UMBC poll finds Marylanders’ views of the economy worsening, with rising costs weighing on residents. Submarine Manufacturing: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic could bring 3,100 jobs, as part of a broader $6.6 billion Navy production push. Industrial Setbacks: Guinness will close its Baltimore County brewery, while US Wind has withdrawn from plans to manufacture turbines at Sparrows Point.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion submarine-component shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore County, alongside a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion. The project is expected to create thousands of Maryland jobs, with operations targeted for 2030. Energy & Data Centers: An UMBC poll found 78% of likely voters oppose new data centers statewide, with many worried about energy costs. Amazon and Constellation, meanwhile, have a deal to add 190 megawatts at Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant. Business Closures: Guinness Open Gate Brewery near Baltimore will close Nov. 1, putting 174 Aramark employees out of work after attracting more than 2 million visitors since 2018. Development: Baltimore’s Harborplace tax-break proposal faces fresh scrutiny: the developer is nearing lease terms, but city records show no formal application for the incentive. State Economy: Maryland released its first statewide plan to grow the horse industry, estimated to generate $2.9 billion in economic activity and support more than 28,000 direct jobs.

Maryland Economy: A UMBC poll found 81% of Marylanders rate state economic conditions as fair or poor; 78% oppose new data centers in the state. Small Business: Harford County will host a free Oct. 20 sales workshop to help small businesses strengthen their sales systems and plan for growth. Public Finance: Calvert County sold $78.9 million in bonds at a 4.66% interest cost, funding approved projects including roads, schools and public safety. Defense Investment: Anduril and the Navy announced a $6.6 billion submarine-components shipyard plan at Tradepoint Atlantic, with more than 3,100 direct jobs projected. Industry Shifts: US Wind is leaving Sparrows Point after its offshore wind project faltered, while Guinness plans to close its Baltimore County brewery, citing rising costs. Workforce: Maryland secured a $2.38 million federal grant to connect rural college students with career pathways.

Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in a submarine-parts shipyard at Sparrows Point, alongside up to $2.9 billion in Navy funding. The project is expected to create more than 3,100 Maryland jobs. Local Business: Silver Diner says BWI’s concessions manager is pressuring it to remove customer cards opposing a possible replacement, after more than 2,000 people contacted state and airport officials in support. Workforce Development: Maryland secured a $2.38 million federal grant to connect rural college students with career opportunities. Sports Business: The Orioles laid off 16 business-operations employees, including the performers behind Mr. Splash and the Oriole Bird.

Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in a Sparrows Point shipyard, alongside a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion. The project is expected to create 3,100 permanent jobs and support more than 11,000 others; Maryland incentives could cover up to 13% of the private investment. Gaming: Maryland’s six casinos took in $151.4 million in September, down 0.1% from a year earlier, while contributions to state programs rose 1.8% to $65 million. Business Closures: Guinness is shutting its Baltimore County brewery and PepsiCo is ending bottling at its Cheverly plant, adding to concerns about local jobs and operating costs. Workforce and Small Business: A $2.38 million federal grant will connect rural Maryland students with career pathways, while state grants aim to help businesses along the Purple Line as construction nears completion.

Defense & Jobs: Maryland and Baltimore County announced Anduril’s $3.7B “Arsenal-2” shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, aimed at expanding Virginia-class submarine production and creating 3,100+ permanent jobs (up to 14,000 supported jobs), with the U.S. Navy adding up to $2.9B. Politics & Business Climate: President Trump used the event to tout the investment and press claims about tariffs and Iran, while reporting says Gov. Wes Moore was excluded from speaking—adding friction to Maryland’s business-and-defense push. Energy for AI: Google signed a 20-year nuclear power deal with Constellation for 890 MW of new capacity (plus a separate 2,700 MW supply arrangement), underscoring how data centers are reshaping Maryland-area power demand. Workforce & Education: Gov. Moore and the Maryland Higher Education Commission secured a $2.38M federal grant to connect rural colleges with employers through paid career pathways in fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, and aerospace. Local Economy: Maryland offered grants to help struggling businesses along the Purple Line corridor as the light-rail nears “significant completion” by end of 2026. Consumer & Regulation: Maryland regulators ended a utility rate pilot after finding customer benefits fell short, while broader “surveillance pricing” concerns are spreading beyond the state. Sports & Local Interest: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is dealing with a sprained ankle with only an outside chance to play Sunday.

Defense & Manufacturing: President Trump is set to announce a $6.6 billion push to expand submarine components production in Maryland, with U.S. Navy and Anduril backing a $3.7 billion, 2-million-square-foot Arsenal-2 shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore County, targeting Virginia-class submarine parts and creating about 3,100 direct jobs and 11,000 indirect jobs. Local Business & Economy: Maryland and Baltimore County officials say the project would be the largest single private investment in the state in more than a decade, with incentives and construction support tied to the buildout. Tech & Security: Aembit says it’s extending access controls for personal AI agents so organizations can manage delegated permissions, centralize activity, and revoke agent access without disabling employee accounts. Energy & Housing Tech: A Building Decarbonization Coalition report finds heat pumps held 58% of the U.S. space-heating equipment market in the first half of 2026 even after the federal tax credit ended. Sports & Local Impact: Ravens coach Jesse Minter says Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury leaves him only an outside chance to play Sunday; if he sits, Tyler Huntley would start.

Prince George’s County Development: The County Council voted 11-0 to advance the National Harbor Sphere, authorizing up to $215 million in special obligation bonds—while labor groups won a “labor peace” deal, two proposals to guarantee 40% union construction work were rejected. Maryland Energy & Utilities: The Maryland Public Service Commission ended a pilot that let electric utilities file multi-year rate plans, saying the approach didn’t deliver clear, measurable benefits for ratepayers. Retail & Jobs: IKEA will close three smaller Plan & Order stores in the DMV region—Fairfax (Nov. 30), Georgetown (Oct. 18), and Annapolis (Oct. 31). Food & Local Economy: Baltimore’s mayor signed the Community Healthy Food Access Act, creating grants for corner stores and farmers to expand fresh food access. Health Policy: A federal judge dismissed a push by independent school districts to make companies pay for alleged opioid-related harm to children in utero. Business Closures: Diageo is shutting down the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Maryland’s Halethorpe area, citing rising costs and shifting consumer demand. Workforce & Education: Maryland Rural Pathways to Prosperity Network won a $2.38M federal grant to connect rural students to paid internships and credentials in high-demand fields. Legal/Regulatory: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Marilyn Mosby’s appeal, clearing the way for possible disbarment.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a pivotal climate case tied to whether local courts can force energy companies to pay for alleged damage from global greenhouse gas emissions, a decision that could reshape costs for oil, gas and power. Legal Accountability (Baltimore): The Supreme Court declined to hear former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s appeal in her perjury and mortgage fraud case, leaving her convictions intact. Energy & Industry (Baltimore): Diageo will shutter the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore by year’s end, citing rising costs and shifting consumer demand. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Calvert County adopted a six-month moratorium on new data center applications as residents weigh reliability and bill impacts from PJM-driven growth. Business & Jobs (Defense): Dayton T. Brown won a $55.8 million Navy contract modification for P-8A Mobile Mission Systems work at its Hollywood, Maryland facility. Public Safety: A fatal single-vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County left one dead and another seriously injured.

Ravens Injury Watch: Lamar Jackson left Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Titans with an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day, putting Baltimore’s QB situation in focus ahead of next week’s road game. Baltimore Schools & Ethics: Baltimore City Public Schools moved to terminate a contract with KEYS Development after FBI activity tied to former school board member Mujahid Muhammad, raising questions about vendor oversight and conflicts. Maryland Business Abroad: Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. met with Qatar’s QBA to expand investment and partnership channels between Qatari business leaders and Maryland companies. Healthcare & Policy: A new Supreme Court case challenges whether local governments can sue oil companies over climate impacts, with private, contingency-fee law firms playing a central role. Local Economy/Industry: LG Innotek marked the 10th anniversary of its Hai Phong, Vietnam production subsidiary, highlighting continued global manufacturing expansion tied to high-tech supply chains.