By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
Maryland Governor Wes Moore hosted a highly anticipated telephone town hall with over 5,000 of the state’s constituents on March 18. The town hall meeting, which focused on key topics such as economic growth, support for federal workers, the relocation of the FBI headquarters and veteran benefits, served as an important opportunity for Moore to update Marylanders on his administration’s progress and future plans.
Throughout the conversation, Moore emphasized his unwavering commitment to ensuring the state’s resilience and prosperity, especially in the face of shifting federal policies that could have significant impacts on the local economy.
One of the central themes of the town hall was the economic challenges and opportunities that Maryland faces, particularly due to the state’s large population of federal employees, contractors and military personnel. With roughly 60,000 individuals in Maryland employed in federal agencies or related sectors, Moore acknowledged the unique difficulties faced by this workforce, especially in light of ongoing changes in federal administration and policy.
Portia Lew, from the Maryland Department of Labor, took the opportunity to reassure those affected by these changes. Lew provided details on the various support programs available to federal workers, emphasizing the state’s resources to help them transition smoothly.
“If you have been working in the state of Maryland, apply with the Maryland Department of Labor,” Lew said. “Every Wednesday, we have an online training at no charge to help both federal employees and contractors brush up their resumes and find new opportunities.”
These training sessions aim to provide essential skills and connections to help workers navigate what can often be a challenging job market, particularly for those impacted by federal workforce reductions or relocations.
A significant point of discussion during the town hall was the ongoing saga of the FBI headquarters relocation, a project that has been a priority for Maryland leaders, including Governor Moore. After a decade of hard work, data-driven analysis, and tireless advocacy, Moore and other local officials succeeded in securing the relocation of the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland. This decision was seen as a major win for the state, particularly for Prince George’s County, which is positioned to benefit economically from the move. However, Moore did not hesitate to express his frustration with the Trump administration’s recent uncertainty about the decision.
“This is actually a classic example of the disconnect… Greenbelt was selected because it met every criterion—mass transit access, build-ready status, and cost efficiency for taxpayers,” Moore remarked, highlighting the careful and thorough process that led to the selection of Greenbelt.
“We are actively working to ensure Congress hears us loud and clear… This facility belongs in Prince George’s County,” Moore added.
Moore’s remarks underscored his commitment to ensuring that the federal government upholds its end of the deal and moves forward with the Greenbelt relocation, a project that has the potential to bring thousands of jobs and significant economic investment to the area.
Alongside the FBI headquarters issue, Moore took the opportunity to highlight Maryland’s economic performance under his leadership. He reported that in the first two years of his administration, the state had seen more job growth than the previous administration had managed over the course of two full terms.
“This achievement is a testament to the state’s resilience and ability to grow its economy despite external challenges,” said Moore.
To build on this momentum, Moore introduced the Decade Act, a legislative initiative designed to make long-term investments in industries that are poised to shape the future economy. These industries include life sciences, cyber technology, artificial intelligence, and aerospace—sectors where Maryland has the potential to lead on a national and global scale.
“This bill focuses on how we can invest in new industries that we have a unique chance to lead in,” Moore said, explaining that by diversifying Maryland’s economy, the state can avoid becoming overly reliant on the federal government.
The Decade Act is a key part of Moore’s vision to strengthen Maryland’s economic foundation and prepare the state for future challenges and opportunities.
Veteran support was also a major topic of discussion, with Moore touting several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Maryland’s veterans. These included the largest tax cut in a generation for younger veterans and the state’s groundbreaking initiative to provide free dental and healthcare to members of the National Guard. Moore was particularly vocal in his defense of federal workers, many of whom are veterans themselves.
He criticized federal policies that he viewed as harmful to this group, stating, “When you are attacking federal workers, you’re attacking veterans—people who served this country and asked only that we not forget them and their families.”
In the final moments of the town hall, Moore offered a rallying cry to the people of Maryland, urging them to remain engaged and proactive in advocating for their state’s interests.
“We do not have to be victims in the hands of this administration. We can be the victors,” Moore declared, encouraging Marylanders to mobilize, contact Congress, and support their communities.
The governor’s message was one of optimism and determination, reinforcing his belief that Maryland’s future could be shaped by collective action and a commitment to progress.
With a firm stance on economic growth, federal worker support and veteran benefits, Moore is attempting to position Maryland to navigate the complexities of federal challenges while continuing to make significant strides toward a brighter future.
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