MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally yesterday submitted testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 443 Economic Development – Makerspace Initiative Pilot Program. This bill creates a grant program for local governments and non-profits to establish or improve makerspaces.

From the MACo Testimony:

This bill establishes the Makerspace Initiative Pilot Program within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) in order to provide matching funds to local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible applicants for the establishment or expansion of makerspaces in the state.

Under this program, a wide range of technology improvements could be expected – from health care equipment to computer assisted design to small-scale manufacturing technologies. The flexibility in the grant program could spark innovations that match needs of local employers or harness regional interests from different parts of the state.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2021 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.