MDOT Secretary Wiedefeld to Step Down, Biddle Named Acting Secretary

Maryland is entering a period of transition in transportation policy, both in terms of leadership and long-term funding strategy.

Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Paul Wiedefeld will step down from his role on August 1.

Samantha Biddle, who has served as Deputy Secretary since 2023, will take on the role of Acting Secretary while the State launches a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

Secretary Wiedefeld’s tenure marked a shift toward safety, secured major federal grants, and advanced significant projects, including the Purple Line and the Key Bridge recovery. But ongoing fiscal constraints and growing infrastructure demands continue to challenge both counties and the State.

Counties continue to advocate for sustainable solutions that preserve local infrastructure capacity, respond to resident needs, and recognize the evolving role of transit and multimodal access.

Rethinking Road Revenue: A Rational Approach to Transportation Funding

These critical issues will be front and center at the 2025 MACo Summer Conference session, “Rethinking Road Revenue: A Rational Approach to Transportation Funding.” The session will examine the history and future of Highway User Revenues (HUR), explore regional tools like transit authorities, and outline options to strengthen local infrastructure investment.

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Resilient. Responsive. Ready.,” is August 13-16, 2025, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government.” For more information, please visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: