Ferguson names Feldman Senate’s economic development chief

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Senate President Bill Ferguson named Sen. Brian Feldman the Senate’s economic development chief, giving him a new role as the chamber prepares for a difficult budget year.

Ferguson announced the move Tuesday, saying Feldman will serve as a liaison among the Senate, Gov. Wes Moore’s administration, the House of Delegates and the private sector.

“We know that we have a hard budget coming up,” Ferguson said. “In order to move through this in the long term, we must grow.”

Feldman, a Montgomery County Democrat and chair of the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee, will be the Senate’s point person on economic development issues, Ferguson said. He will work with the Commerce secretary and other administration officials, as well as businesses and organizations seeking state support.

Ferguson said Feldman will participate in budget discussions related to economic development, but did not describe him as the Senate president’s overall budget negotiator.

“He will certainly be a part of the budget negotiations as it relates to economic development,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson pointed to Feldman’s experience in the private sector and his work representing Montgomery County, where he said the biotech and Interstate 270 corridors have seen significant growth.

“We need that to happen across the entire state,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson made the announcement while outlining economic development measures passed last year. One is the Maryland Growth Initiative, run by TEDCO, the state-chartered organization that supports Maryland technology and life sciences companies.

Lawmakers also created a $2 million grant program for small and early-stage advanced manufacturing companies. The program is expected to begin accepting applications this winter, with grants intended to help homegrown businesses expand. Ferguson said the initiatives are part of a broader effort to help Maryland companies grow and compete.

Ferguson also highlighted a plan to make it easier to start and grow a business in Maryland. He said a new technology solution, using tools such as artificial intelligence, would bring the required steps together in one place. He said new businesses now visit six state websites and three portals, spending as long as 12 hours navigating the process.

Other measures he cited include the Maryland Future Fund, which is working with the comptroller’s office to study the state’s economy and identify competitive advantages; a Maryland Economic Development Corporation study on targeted investment; and a grant program for small businesses in vacant Main Street corridors.

Feldman will lead the Senate’s work on the agenda and help direct the Senate Democratic Caucus, Ferguson said. He said the role does not come with an additional stipend.

The House has not said whether it will appoint someone to a similar role. FOX45 News reached out to Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk to learn more.

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