ANNAPOLIS, Md. (October 22, 2025) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis today for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. The Board approved the elimination of 502 positions, 332 of which were part of the state’s voluntary separation program (VSP) aimed at reducing the size of the state’s workforce. The vote also eliminated 170 vacant positions within the Executive Department. The position eliminations are expected to save the state $10.5 million during Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and $22 million in general funds during FY 2027. 

The Board of Public Works also approved $6.1 million in funding under the Rental Housing Works Program led by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Rental Housing Works Program finances rental housing that will be occupied by low-income individuals. Comptroller Lierman applauded the projects that help address the need for expanding the housing supply in Maryland, as highlighted by the Office of the Comptroller’s Housing and the Economy Report, released last week. 

“Stable and affordable housing is essential for Marylanders to build a secure financial future,” Comptroller Lierman said, addressing Governor Moore. “I'm happy and pleased that our team could offer this new analysis that will hopefully be helpful to our General Assembly, to you, and to all policymakers and business leaders.” 

At the conclusion of the meeting, Comptroller Lierman also highlighted the launch of the new Board of Public Works Dashboard – an effort led by the Comptroller’s Office – to enhance transparency and accountability in the board’s work. 

“This new dashboard gives Marylanders a much clearer window into how the state is spending tax dollars through procurement,” she said. “We are now empowering Marylanders to understand the decisions made by the BPW and track how public investments are improving their communities.” 

Delegate N. Scott Phillips, who sponsored legislation to create the dashboard, spoke during the meeting.  

“By opening the books for the state procurement, Maryland is setting a new standard for modern governance. I'm proud of the legislation, along with all of the work of everyone in this room. I look forward to seeing how this dashboard strengthens our confidence in government and expands opportunity for all,” he said. 

In all, the Board of Public Works approved 103 items, representing a total State expenditure of $432,180,350.63, including:? 

• Grant agreements for 26 recipients for 29 projects located in 12 counties and Baltimore City with a total value of $21,638,000.
• Four items awarding $8,500,173.70 to prime certified small business primes.
• One item awarding $7,270,645.70 to a certified minority business enterprise prime.
• One item awarding $873,990.00 to an Employment Works Program provider.
• 10 items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises.
• Four items awarded with established participation goals for veteran-owned small business enterprises. 

 

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on November 5, 2025.?