Braveboy to outline Prince George's County economic outlook at MGM National Harbor

Prince George’s County put its economic case in front of business leaders and public officials at MGM National Harbor, where County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy used the 2026 State of the Economy breakfast to argue that growth has to show up in jobs, storefronts and a broader tax base, not just in headlines about big projects.

The event was hosted by the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable. PGCEDC described it as a fundraising breakfast supporting the host organizations, with tickets starting at $189 and sponsorship levels set at Gold for $12,000, Silver for $6,500, Bronze for $3,500 and Exhibit Booth for $2,000. County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha was listed among the speakers.

The county’s pitch leaned heavily on scale. PGCEDC says 95% of all businesses in Prince George’s are small businesses, more than 515,000 people work in the county and more than 967,000 people live there. The same materials say 17 federal agencies are based in Prince George’s and seven colleges and universities are located in the county, figures that help frame the county as both a commuter labor market and a regional business center.

That economic backdrop matters because county officials are trying to connect new investment to the places where residents live and work. The county’s economy page says the Economic Development Incentive Fund is designed to expand the commercial tax base, keep and attract jobs, support small and local businesses, promote development and redevelopment, encourage transit-oriented development and grow key industry sectors. For a county still competing for private investment across the Washington region, that mix is central to whether development produces visible gains in neighborhoods from Largo to Forest Heights.

Braveboy also brings her own history to the venue. County materials say she previously worked in county government’s executive branch on the budget process and on major projects including National Harbor and Woodmore Towne Center, giving her appearance at MGM National Harbor added significance as the county tries to show that its marquee developments can benefit more than just the waterfront corridor.

That question is likely to shadow the county’s next phase of growth. In February, county and state officials said a proposed Sphere National Harbor venue could generate $1.3 billion in economic impact for Prince George’s County and $1.5 billion statewide, with construction projected to bring $1.6 billion in county benefits. The Maryland Department of Commerce says private-sector industries in Prince George’s generate $34.5 billion in economic output. Braveboy’s message at MGM National Harbor was built around turning those numbers into proof that Prince George’s economy is expanding in ways residents can actually feel.