State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, November 18, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces “Inside Maryland” Website with a New View of Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 18, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today unveiled a new state website that uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in a visually interactive way that enables users to see statistical data overlays on a map of Maryland.

"This is just the beginning of a new way for people to look inside Maryland," Lieutenant Governor Kate Burbank said. "For years, agencies, surveys and local governments have been using GIS technology to visually show data making it easier for everyone to understand. These new maps provide a more comprehensive picture of Maryland infrastructure in areas such as education, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, environment and taxation.”

The information and geospatial mapping will be developed further over the next few months with numerous state agencies and local communities contributing to the database. Vintage maps will give a historical view of the state and quick maps will provide detailed information on Maryland.

New areas will be added to provide more extensive "pictures" in areas such as technology, human services, employment and public safety. Eventually, the website will provide statewide mapping that will allow users to "drill down" to local and regional demographics and maps.

The Maryland Geological Survey has coordinated this effort and will continue to work with numerous state agencies to provide a comprehensive review of resources.

"Managing information from various agencies in visual layers of information will help Maryland focus on issues, trends and opportunities. We need to use the information we have in smarter ways by correlating statistics and adding the spatial framework," Jack Bennett, Maryland’s Secretary of Budget and Management said. "The website will continue to grow and develop as we find new innovative approaches to utilize GIS technology to help solve complicated problems and enable citizen access to data about Maryland.”

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.