Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy at #MACoCon

Maryland’s economy is shifting in ways that are already reshaping local budgets, services, and long-range priorities.

Across Maryland, state and county leaders are confronting an economic landscape defined by uneven growth, demographic transitions, and persistent workforce pressures. At the same time, national trends, like rising interest rates, a cooling labor market, and slowdowns in key industries, are filtering down to the local level, affecting everything from hiring and retention to revenue reliability. Maryland’s unique mix of suburban, rural, and urban economies also means counties experience these pressures differently, with some seeing strong job gains while others navigate shrinking labor pools or stalled private-sector investment. Against this backdrop, understanding where the economy is heading and how those shifts intersect with county service demands has become essential for informed governance and long-term resilience.

Title: Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy

Description: Join Economist Daraius Irani for an in-depth update on Maryland’s economy and the implications for county governments. This dynamic presentation will explore national and regional economic trends, labor market shifts, and emerging challenges and opportunities within Maryland’s economy. Dr. Irani will also examine how these forces affect county operations, service delivery, and long-term planning, providing actionable insights to help local leaders anticipate and respond to economic changes. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the financial landscape and its direct impact on workforce development and revenue streams.

Speaker: Daraius Irani, Ph. D., Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research, Towson University; Chief Economist, Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), Towson University

Moderator: The Honorable Lily Qi, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025; 9:15 am – 10:15 am