At the heart of the Master Plan is a three-pronged approach to strengthen state technology and service delivery. The first focus is on modernizing the IT workforce, with the department looking to build technological capacity by expanding expertise within the agency and across state government. Initiatives here will help develop skills in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics.
The second focus is on system centralization, encouraging agencies to cut down on duplicated IT services and create clearer ownership within departments. At the same time, specialized systems will remain in place when they serve unique purposes.
The third focus centers on expanding access to digital services for residents and making the tools easier to use, from smoother website navigation to simpler online applications. The plan also highlights continued investment in broadband expansion, helping to close digital gaps in underserved communities.
The report cites Maryland Benefits, the state’s online benefits portal currently serving more than 1.3 million residents, as an example of the type of citizen-focused service the plan seeks to expand. The platform is moving to DoIT from the state Department of Human Services in fiscal year 2026.
As Maryland DoIT Secretary Katie Savage said, the plan is about more than technology — it’s about rethinking how government serves its people.
“To make this Maryland’s decade, we need to fundamentally shift how the State of Maryland has always operated,” Savage said in a statement.
The plan emphasizes sustainable governance practices to maintain modernization over time, rather than treating it as a one-time initiative. Each division within DoIT — including AI, cybersecurity, digital experience and infrastructure — is assigned measurable performance targets to monitor progress and guide implementation.
It will transform services for years to come, Savage said, “making it more effective, financially efficient, secure, and accessible for all Marylanders.”
