Prince George’s County’s proposed Sphere at National Harbor moved another step forward this week as County Council legislation advancing the project’s financing framework did not include a mandatory Project Labor Agreement (PLA), leaving the focus increasingly on how the project’s projected economic benefits will reach County residents, local businesses and the broader community.
The proposed legislation, CB-111-2026, would authorize up to $215 million in special-obligation bonds to support the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of the proposed Sphere and refinance existing National Harbor debt. The bonds would be repaid from designated tax revenues and would not constitute general-obligation debt backed by the County’s full faith and credit.
While the PLA debate has received considerable attention, the larger economic-development question is how Prince George’s County can ensure that the investment produces tangible opportunities for the businesses and residents who live and operate here.
Watch the County Executive’s Press Conference on Sphere Financing Advancing Without PLA Mandate, Shifting Focus to Local Economic Opportunity
Local businesses stand to benefit
An economic analysis prepared by Ernst & Young estimates that construction of the approximately $1.4 billion Sphere could generate nearly $1.6 billion in economic output in Prince George’s County during the construction period. The analysis estimates approximately 3,350 construction, supplier and consumer-supported jobs during construction.
That economic activity could create opportunities well beyond the project’s general contractor.
Local firms could potentially participate in areas ranging from construction and engineering to professional services, transportation, security, hospitality, food service, technology, facilities management and other project-related services.
For Prince George’s County’s minority-, small- and locally owned businesses, the size and duration of the project could provide an important opportunity to secure contracts, build capacity, establish relationships with larger contractors and position themselves for future work.
The opportunity, however, is not automatic. Meaningful local participation will depend on how procurement is structured, how opportunities are identified and communicated, how firms are connected with prime contractors, and whether local businesses have sufficient time and capacity to compete.
Workforce participation will be critical
The project’s potential workforce impact is equally significant. Once operational, Sphere National Harbor is projected to support approximately 7,100 full- and part-time jobs in Prince George’s County. The County estimates that approximately 1,250 of those positions would be directly associated with Sphere, while another 5,850 jobs would be supported through visitor spending, suppliers and employee spending throughout the County.
That makes workforce development and local hiring important components of the project’s long-term economic impact.
The County has already heard from residents and workforce representatives who want to see County residents positioned to participate in the construction and operational opportunities. At a September listening session, local workforce participation emerged as a central issue in the community discussion.
The MBE opportunity
The project could also become a significant opportunity to expand participation by Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), County-Based Small Businesses (CBSBs) and other local firms.
Prince George’s County already has infrastructure designed to connect local and minority-owned businesses with contracting opportunities. The County’s Supplier Development and Diversity Division identifies strategic sourcing and equitable access to procurement and contracted-dollar opportunities as part of its mission.
For Sphere, that could mean starting the supplier-diversity process well before major construction packages are released.
Early identification of upcoming procurements, outreach to qualified firms, matchmaking with prime contractors, technical assistance, bonding support and mentor-protégé opportunities could help local companies compete for work rather than simply learn about opportunities after contracts have already been awarded.
Community benefits extend beyond construction
The economic opportunity also extends beyond contractors and workers. The County estimates that Sphere could generate more than $1.3 billion in annual economic impact within Prince George’s County once operational, driven by the venue itself and spending by visitors at County hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses. The project is also projected to generate approximately $63 million annually in County tax revenue.
That visitor-driven activity could benefit businesses throughout the County, particularly those connected to hospitality, restaurants, retail, transportation, entertainment and tourism.
The broader community could also benefit from increased economic activity, workforce opportunities and potential new investment generated by the venue.
The absence of a PLA requirement does not eliminate the need for strong workforce and supplier-diversity commitments. Instead, it places greater emphasis on how the project voluntarily and contractually structures opportunities for local workers and businesses.
Written by Three E Staff
