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Economic Opportunity

Maryland can encourage economic prosperity by making purposeful investments in good schools, quality infrastructure and access to affordable health care.  These investments can help workers and families succeed and achieve economic security.  

MDCEP conducts research and analysis on how Maryland’s workers are faring in the economy and advocates for effective policies that foster broadly-shared prosperity.

Spotlight

Access to Opportunity: Implications of Implementing Small Area Fair Market Rent in Baltimore’s Neighborhoods

By Musaab Ibrahim and Taneeka Richardson Technical Support and Data Visualization by Cheryl Knott This

What a $15 Minimum Wage Would Mean for Maryland

Good Jobs, Secure Families, and a Healthy Economy Maryland’s economy looks great on paper. We

Maryland’s Safety Net Reduces Poverty, Helps Children Succeed and Boosts Our Economy

Nutrition assistance, tax credits, and other economic supports are working to keep thousands of Marylanders

Bursting the Bubble: The Challenges of Working and Living in the National Capital Region

Living in the national capital region looks like it has its advantages. Employment levels are
Recent Economic Opportunity Publications

Maryland’s Cash Assistance Program is Not Always Enough to Keep Families From Becoming Homeless

June 28, 2024 by Jasmin Aramburu
Families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Maryland’s equivalent of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, are one of the most economically marginalized groups in the state. Even… read more

Immigrants Are Critical to a Healthy Economy in Maryland But Face Barriers to Opportunity

June 7, 2024 by Jasmin Aramburu
Maryland’s immigrant communities are driving economic and population growth in the state, according to a report the Office of the Comptroller recently published. But while immigration positively impacts communities in… read more

Looking Ahead: Building Up Maryland’s Safety Net After Modest Changes This Year

April 26, 2024 by Jasmin Aramburu
The 2024 legislative session saw Maryland lawmakers struggle to balance the need for improved social safety nets and economic well-being with the reality of the state’s fiscal challenges. Unlike the… read more

We Can’t Allow Families Experiencing Benefit Theft to Be Let Down Twice

March 26, 2024 by Jasmin Aramburu
As a growing number of low-income households across the country who rely on food and cash assistance to purchase food and other essentials began experiencing thefts of funds from their… read more

Maryland’s Need for Eviction Prevention Funds

December 19, 2023 by Kali Schumitz
Preventing evictions is a critical part of creating a Maryland where all families can have safe, stable, affordable housing. Eviction prevention funds pay 1-3 months of past due rent for… read more

Choosing Meaningful Investments in Temporary Cash Assistance can Change the Trajectory for Maryland Families Living in Poverty

October 26, 2023 by Jasmin Aramburu
When families go through a challenging period, income support programs are vital to helping them keep food on the table and a roof over their heads as they get back… read more

More Basic Assistance is Needed to Propel Economic Mobility and Security Among Maryland Families Receiving TANF

October 26, 2023 by Jasmin Aramburu
By Jasmin Aramburu This report was supported by a grant from The Abell Foundation When families go through a challenging period, income support programs are vital to helping them keep… read more

Tips on Top in Prince George’s County: Guaranteeing Full Wage Protection Would Ultimately Put $79 Million in Workers’ Pockets

October 12, 2023 by Christopher Meyer
Most Marylanders agree that working hard should leave you and your family with enough to afford the basics. Policymakers in Prince George’s County took a leading role in supporting workers… read more

Tips on Top in Montgomery County: Guaranteeing Full Wage Protection Would Ultimately Put $150 Million in Workers’ Pockets

August 16, 2023 by Christopher Meyer
Most Marylanders agree that working hard should leave you and your family with enough to afford the basics. Policymakers in Montgomery County have taken important steps to make this vision… read more

Adjusting Payment Standards Could Offer Voucher Holders Greater Access to Opportunity

July 14, 2023 by Musaab Ibrahim
Having a safe place to live and raise a family is critical to economic security, health, and many other aspects of daily life. Maryland has some of the highest housing… read more