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Can Prince George’s County guarantee local jobs at Maryland’s Sphere?
The Baltimore Sun, July 29, 2026
Prince George’s County hopes to see jobs at the proposed Maryland Sphere venue go to county residents, but it is not yet clear whether they will be able to get those types of commitments. Negotiations are ongoing, with some funding approved, but local labor unions and members of the County Council are pushing for the developer to hire local workers and businesses for the Sphere’s construction. RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani stated that this is a reasonable condition for a project receiving financial support from the county. He added that hiring residents from Prince George’s County should be prioritized over bringing in workers from Virginia and other nearby jurisdictions, since residents of Prince George’s County will be paying taxes back to the county.
Ravens announce plan to keep Baltimore County ‘Castle’ for the next 40 years
The Baltimore Sun, July 28, 2026
Baltimore County and the Baltimore Ravens have jointly announced a lease extension at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, with a 10-year extension starting in 2028 and options to renew for an additional 30 years afterwards. The deal includes financing from both the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore County to go towards renovations and expansion at the training facility. RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani noted that this commitment adds value for taxpayers through the long-term commitment, with Baltimore County now unlikely to lose one of its most notable organizations. He also noted that the deal is better than many other sports subsidies, considering that the majority of the investment is from private sources and the facility acts as a year-round workplace for local employees.
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