ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan yesterday signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s Subcabinet on Infrastructure, consisting of state agencies that will administer funds and advise on the implementation of the federal Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act (IIJA), and named Deputy Chief of Staff Allison S. Mayer as infrastructure director.
The subcabinet consists of the secretaries of the Departments of Budget and Management, Transportation, Commerce, Housing and Community Development, Environment, and Information Technology, with consultation from the directors of the Maryland Energy Administration and Maryland Environmental Service. Staff from the governor’s federal and intergovernmental affairs offices will attend and provide additional support.
“We were proud to help push the federal infrastructure law across the finish line, and it will be a great force multiplier for jobs, economic growth, and transformational projects that will leave a lasting impact,” said Governor Hogan. “Our team has been preparing for the implementation of this new law since bipartisan talks first began last year. With Allison’s appointment and the establishment of this new subcabinet, we are taking the next critical steps to advance even more priority projects across the state.”
As infrastructure director, Mayer will be responsible for convening the subcabinet and coordinating the state’s implementation plan, including reviewing recommendations from relevant agencies to ensure alignment with administration priorities, ensuring agencies complete required reporting and maximizing the state’s participation in any applicable discretionary grant programs. Mayer will also be charged with liasing with the federal Infrastructure Implementation Task Force, chaired by White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, as well as the National Governors Association and other external partners.
“The passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill was a major priority for Governor Hogan, and the administration stands ready to ensure these new investments are put to the best possible use for all Marylanders,” said Mayer. “Over the past seven years we have made tremendous progress improving the infrastructure of our state, including roads, bridges, broadband, and transit. This is a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate economic growth and opportunity in our state, and I am honored to continue to serve the people of Maryland in this new role.”
Allison S. Mayer brings nearly two decades of economic development and transportation experience to the governor’s office. As deputy chief of staff overseeing an economic development and infrastructure portfolio, she helps guide strategy to achieve many of the administration’s top priorities, including statewide broadband, the construction of the Purple Line, expansion of the Howard Street Tunnel, and the governor’s Traffic Relief Plan. Mayer previously served the Hogan administration as managing director of marketing and communications at the Maryland Department of Commerce and executive director of the Maryland Marketing Partnership. Prior to residing in Maryland, she led strategic communications and global marketing at the South Carolina Department of Commerce and managed public relations and community affairs for the South Carolina Ports Authority. Mayer will assume the infrastructure director position in addition to her duties as deputy chief of staff.