Maryland Launches BPW Dashboard to Track Billions in State Spending

Maryland has launched a new online tool for public spending transparency. The BPW Dashboard provides searchable data on state contracts. It covers $30.7 billion approved by the Board of Public Works.

The initiative fulfills a key recommendation from Comptroller Brooke Lierman. It aims to give citizens direct access to fiscal information. According to Reuters, such tools are becoming standard for government accountability.

How the New Transparency Tool Works for Citizens

The dashboard is hosted on the official BPW website. Users can search and sort contracts by multiple criteria. Filters include agency, vendor, date, and contract amount.

This allows residents to track where their tax dollars go. The system is designed for easy public use. It represents a significant upgrade in data accessibility.

The tool specifically highlights spending with diverse businesses. It shows $2.1 billion went to small and veteran-owned firms. Another $1.45 billion was awarded to minority business enterprises.

Political Drive and Equity Goals Behind the Dashboard

The dashboard resulted from legislation championed by state leaders. House Bill 877 was a priority for the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus. It passed with strong bipartisan support.

Officials say the tool will promote fairer contracting opportunities. It helps ensure minority-owned businesses can compete. This supports wealth building in underserved communities.

The system is fully accessible for people with disabilities. The National Federation of the Blind praised its screen-reader compatibility. This makes it a model for inclusive public data tools.

The new BPW Dashboard fundamentally changes how Marylanders interact with state spending data. This transparency initiative sets a new standard for accountable government. The tool will continue evolving with more features and historical data.

Info at your fingertips

What is the BPW Dashboard?

The BPW Dashboard is Maryland’s new online transparency tool. It provides public access to state contract and spending data. Users can search information approved by the Board of Public Works.

How much spending does the dashboard cover?

The system currently tracks $30.7 billion in state contracts. This covers approvals from January 2023 through December 2024. The data will be updated quarterly with new information.

Can I see which businesses get state contracts?

Yes, the dashboard allows sorting by vendor name. You can see all companies receiving state contracts. The system also highlights minority and small business awards.

Is the dashboard accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, developers prioritized full ADA compliance. The National Federation of the Blind confirmed its screen-reader accessibility. This ensures all Marylanders can use the tool.

Will historical data be added to the system?

Officials plan to add pre-2023 data in coming months. The dashboard will also include data visualizations. Future updates will incorporate 2025 meeting information.