The Maryland Digital Service (MDDS) is being honored in Category 2: Delivering Simple, Seamless, and Secure Services for transforming how Maryland delivers digital government services. Established by the Maryland Department of Information Technology in 2024, MDDS has made services simpler, more accessible, and easier to navigate by putting residents at the center of digital delivery. From creating a unified digital front door at Maryland.gov to establishing statewide accessibility and design standards, the team has built a foundation that enables every agency to deliver better experiences for the public.

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MDDS launched a modern Maryland.gov that helps more than 360,000 people each month find critical benefits and services without needing to understand the structure of state government. The team also introduced a new content management system, the Maryland Web Design System, the state's first Accessibility Policy, and a redesigned unemployment insurance website. Beyond individual services, MDDS has equipped agencies with training, reusable technology, plain-language tools, analytics, and communities of practice that support consistent, accessible, and user-centered services across state government.

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The results demonstrate meaningful improvements for both Marylanders and state employees. Completed unemployment claims increased by 15%, while a redesigned environmental reporting process reduced turnaround times by 50% and saved Maryland Department of the Environment employees approximately 300 hours each month. MDDS has also improved accessibility across dozens of digital services and trained agencies in accessibility, plain language, and user-centered web design. In just two years, MDDS has created a sustainable digital capability that reduces frustration, improves efficiency, and delivers simpler, more seamless services to Marylanders.