ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 19, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis yesterday for a meeting of the Board of Public Works.
During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved a series of contracts and agreements supporting infrastructure, economic development, and community investments across Maryland.
Comptroller Lierman also asked questions regarding several Department of Human Services contracts (Items 16 through 18, and Item 40) related to youth placements and care services. She acknowledged the Administration’s progress in expanding kinship care and strengthening placement stability, while emphasizing the importance of continued oversight, quality assurance, and long-term solutions to reduce hospital over-stays and ensure safe, supportive environments for youth.
“I do want to acknowledge the progress that has been made,” said Comptroller Lierman. “The Department, under this Administration, has seen an 86% increase in kinship caregivers in just one year. That is real, meaningful progress, that is going to make a difference for families and for youth. But even with that progress, one case is still one too many.”
In all, the Board of Public Works approved 83 items, representing a total State expenditure of $1,442,727,657.31. This includes:
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Grant agreements for 12 recipients for 12 projects located in 7 counties and Baltimore City, with a total value of $4,650,000.
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Five items awarding $2,387,679.13 to certified small business primes.
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Six items awarding $2,500,009.78 to certified minority business enterprise primes.
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Two items awarding $1,097,180.33 to Employment Works Program providers.
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Eight items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises.
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Two items awarded with established participation goals for veteran-owned small business enterprises.
Meeting documents for today’s meeting can be found here.
The next meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
