Craft convention returns to Baltimore; Area airport sets traffic record

Good morning Baltimore!

We're expected to get cloudy skies and a little more rain this morning as temperatures will rise to the mid-60s.

Now, here's the news you need to know to start your Thursday.

Md. Comptroller proposes taxpayer-focused bills

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman has put forward several bills focused on improving the state's taxpayer services, even as the General Assembly has reached its halfway point. Among the actions contained in the bills, one would upgrade the technology in the comptroller's office, which Lierman said is "antiquated." Other bills would advance the implementation of a new general accounting system for the entire state, establish the Office of Taxpayer Advocate and create a rebate program related to delayed unemployment insurance payments. [WBAL-TV]

Vacant Baltimore Street property to be developed

A long-vacant parcel near Lexington Market may soon be rebuilt as a 32-story apartment tower, potentially with a hotel component. The project at 325 W. Baltimore St. is in motion again by developer Howard Brown as the area has seen hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment recently. [BBJ]

Maryland researchers get $2M grant to develop green technology

Researchers from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the IMET - Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology have been awarded a three-year, $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , UMCES announced this week. The funds will be used to study how microalge can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. This innovative approach involves using algae to capture greenhouse gas emitted from power plants, wastewater treatment plants and cement factories before it enters the atmosphere.

Reagan National Airport sets traffic record

Reagan National Airport hit an all-time traffic record last year as the number of passengers surged to just shy of 24 million. That's a 71% increase over 2021 and a.4% increase over 2019. Chryssa Crouch Westerlund , Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 's executive vice president and chief revenue officer, said the passenger traffic for both National and Dulles during 2022 surpassed the organization's expectations. However, Dulles still remains below 2019 passenger traffic levels. [Washington Business Journal]

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Baltimore brewery to close

Baltimore's Full Tilt Brewing will close for good this month, shuttering its York Road taproom that opened in 2018. Co-founders Nick Fertig and Dan Baumiller attributed the reason to the negative effects of Covid-19 as well as global inflation. After struggling to make through the pandemic, inflation hit the brewery hard, especially electricity and grain costs, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Under Armour expands partnership with XFL

Under Armour is growing its agreement with the XFL, a professional football league launching this year and owned by a group that includes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The Baltimore sportswear maker is already the league's official uniform partner, as reported in December. But now Under Armour will also serve as the XFL 's official sideline apparel partner, official performance apparel partner, official youth football partner and preferred footwear partner, the league announced this week. The multi-year partnership also calls for Under Armour to help support the league's youth football and grassroots initiatives.

American Craft Council returns to Baltimore

The American Craft Council will make its annual return to Charm City starting tomorrow, March 3. The national nonprofit that supports artists and craftspeople will bring its American Craft Made marketplace to the Baltimore Convention Center through March 5. The marketplace will feature 350 contemporary craft artists selling ceramic, glass, jewelry, clothing, furniture, basketry and more. Take a look at some of the wares that will be on display and available for purchase via '8 things' on the BBJ's website.

The challenges ahead for the four-day workweek

Following a four-day workweek pilot study in the UK that showed employees and employers are overwhelmingly pleased with the approach, experts believe there are significant obstacles in the way preventing a widespread adoption in the U.S. The question of whether companies will adopt a four-day workweek hinges on the balance of power between employers and employees. Amid tight labor markets, companies may use the strategy to make themselves more attractive in the hiring marketplace. But at the same time, recession fears are also giving employers leverage, causing some to claw back perks like hybrid work. [Playbook]

This newsletter was written by Carley Milligan, Digital Editor at the Baltimore Business Journal. I can be reached at [email protected].?