Maryland Department of Labor Announces Nearly $3 Million in Local Impact Awards to Strengthen Workforce Solutions Across the State
BALTIMORE, MD (February 13, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Labor today announced nearly $3 million in awards through the new Local Workforce Impact Fund, a statewide initiative investing in community-driven workforce projects across Maryland’s Local Workforce Development Areas. The investment will connect nearly 700 Marylanders to occupational training, industry-recognized credentials, and supportive services—helping Maryland businesses access the talent they need to grow.
“Local workforce leaders understand the needs of businesses and workers in their communities, and they’ve proposed innovative projects to meet those needs,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “These direct investments in local solutions will help Marylanders gain in-demand skills, connect to good jobs, and build stronger, more resilient futures.”
The initiative is a joint effort of MD Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, reflecting a coordinated, statewide approach to strengthening Maryland’s talent pipeline.
The awards will fund local programs identified by workforce leaders as the most effective ways to advance the goals of the Moore-Miller Administration and Maryland’s Statewide Workforce Development Plan. They focus on expanding economic opportunity, supporting justice-involved Marylanders, preparing young people for future-ready careers, and increasing access to workforce development services in high-poverty communities.
“The Maryland Workforce Association thanks the Maryland Department of Labor and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board for their investment in Local Workforce Impact grants,” said Brandon Butler, Executive Director of the Maryland Workforce Association. “These funds highlight the innovation and problem-solving local workforce boards deliver every day to meet the needs of Maryland’s communities and employers.”
The following Local Workforce Development Areas will each receive a $150,000 formula-based award to support core workforce priorities.
- Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
- Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
- Carroll County Workforce Development
- Frederick County Workforce Services
- Lower Shore Workforce Alliance
- Susquehanna Workforce Network
- Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
- Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board
- WorkSource Montgomery
In addition to the $150,000 formula-based awards, five Local Workforce Development Areas will receive competitive awards ranging from $275,000 to $400,000 for project proposals that demonstrate strong local impact, innovation, and clear alignment with program priorities:
- Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
- Frederick County Workforce Services
- Lower Shore Workforce Alliance
- Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
- WorkSource Montgomery
“Local workforce system leaders know their communities best, and these investments recognize the innovation and problem-solving happening across Maryland,” said Governor’s Workforce Development Board Chair Delali Dzirasa. “The Governor’s Workforce Development Board is proud to collaborate with MD Labor on launching the Local Workforce Impact Fund to invest in those local solutions, connect Marylanders to good jobs, and strengthen the talent pipelines our employers rely on.”
WorkSource Montgomery, for example, will use the funds to expand its Sector Connector Workforce Mobility Initiative, to help jobseekers move into good paying jobs in high-demand fields such as technology, life sciences, and healthcare.
The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland will use the funds to hire a dedicated navigator to help SNAP recipients access in-demand training, supportive services, and pathways to long-term employment.
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About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.
About the Governor’s Workforce Development Board
The Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) serves as the governor's chief policy-making body for workforce development. The GWDB is an industry-led board that engages key business, labor, education, community, and State and local government leaders to collaborate and advise the Governor on business-led workforce development strategies that advance Maryland's economic competitiveness and build pathways to work, wages and wealth. For updates and information, follow the GWDB on LinkedInand visit our website.
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