Maryland Secures AI Grants to Strengthen Delivery of Public Services

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland state agency projects are receiving two grants-totaling more than $2.6 million over two years-that will fund artificial intelligence (AI) projects to remove barriers and help Marylanders better access public services. The awards have been made through the Public Benefit Innovation Fund of the Center for Civic Futures, which received more than 400 applications from 45 states. Maryland won two of the seven total awards.

"Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for change. Through this partnership, Maryland is harnessing the power of AI responsibly, to ensure more Marylanders can access nutrition, housing, and health care services," said Gov. Moore. "We've been clear since Day One that we can and we must innovate. These awards recognize our state's work to leverage the potential of technology and our commitment to leaving no one behind."

The awards will fund a portfolio of projects to explore the myriad ways that AI could help improve how governments and community organizations deliver essential programs like food assistance, Medicaid, housing, and unemployment services. The award comes at a critical time as H.R. 1 (2025), signed into law by President Trump, creates new onerous work requirements for seniors, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness, affecting up to 80,000 Marylanders trying to put food on the table, as well as approximately 300,000 Medicaid customers.

Through a $1.2 million award, the Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Benefits, and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange are leading a multi-state project that will develop AI tools to streamline work verification for SNAP and Medicaid. As part of the grant, Maryland will anchor a multi-state cohort of the American Public Human Services Association to develop and continuously improve AI tools that will be deployable in other states across the cohort.

"The Department of Human Services continues to lean into the work of using technology to better serve Marylanders," said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. "Every day, we're working to find new ways to make government more accessible and services more seamless, to deliver the world-class customer service that Marylanders deserve."

Through a $1.45 million grant, the Maryland Department of Labor is collaborating with the Government Performance Lab and Computational Policy Lab to test new ways to use AI to improve service delivery, including the development of systems to support agency staff in navigating complex regulations and processing documents and tools like staff training simulators.

"Modernizing state systems will enable us to better serve Marylanders and provide staff with the professional-quality tools and training they deserve," says Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. "This collaboration will empower our teams to identify and address bottlenecks and remove barriers as we connect Marylanders to support."

"Using technology to break down barriers is critical for our department to evolve and meet the needs of Marylanders. This grant will be instrumental in protecting access to essential health coverage for Marylanders," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "Through this grant and our proactive, multi-agency approach, the Maryland Department of Health and the Moore-Miller Administration are working to ensure all Marylanders can continue to receive the health care they need."

"We are excited to advance our AI capabilities with this grant to improve the agency and the lives of Marylanders," said Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Executive Director Michele Eberle. "This collaborative approach between agencies will result in responsible innovation for the state."

Several cross-functional teams at the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, Information Technology, and Maryland Benefits put together technical grant proposals that outperformed hundreds of other applicants across the country, continuing the Moore-Miller Administration's effort to use AI to improve state services, including establishing landmark partnerships with major tech companies like Anthropic.

"Maryland is gaining momentum with AI," said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage. "45 states submitted more than 400 applications for this grant. The fact that Maryland was awarded 2 out of 7 total grant awards is a testament to forward-looking leadership across our state. Once again, Maryland is leading the way on the responsible and productive use of AI."

All AI systems and tools developed and procured by the State of Maryland undergo a rigorous intake process and adhere to its Responsible AI Policy to ensure appropriate safeguards are implemented and meet the State's stringent data, security, and privacy standards.

All awardees will participate in a shared learning cohort where states, researchers, and community-based organizations will work together to identify best practices and refine ideas across sectors. Each team will also receive technical assistance in AI and machine learning, data ethics, privacy, security, pilot design, and business strategy. This shared learning approach reflects the Center for Civic Future's belief that responsible innovation requires collaboration across states, researchers, and community partners.

"The groundswell of ideas in this open call was a clear signal that agencies, nonprofits, and community partners are ready to shape how emerging tech shows up in public systems," said Center for Civic Futures Executive Director Cass Madison. "This support will help meet that demand by giving teams space to test AI responsibly, learn quickly, and share what works so the entire field can move forward with greater confidence."

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and visit our website .

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