On February 5, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted testimony to the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 409 – Economic Development – County or Municipal Corporation Economic Development Authority – Powers and Use of Proceeds with amendments.
This bill expands the scope of certain economic and industrial development authorities established by county governments.
Maryland is facing historic challenges this legislative session. Uncertainty over the state economy, how changes in Washington will affect Marylanders, lags in affordable housing production, a budding energy crisis brought on by nearby high energy-users, and a myriad of other important issues all need to be addressed by legislators in 2025. The single thread that binds all of these issues together is that a more resilient, faster growing, diverse economy will largely insulate our constituents from some of the worst headwinds still beyond the horizon.
Counties applaud the intent of SB 409 and are keenly interested in partnership and being proactive stakeholders in steering Maryland into a more vibrant future. Counties offer one amendment to buttress a local legislative body’s oversight and auditing authority over the economic and industrial development authorities which may be created under this bill:
On page 7, in line 13, after “AREA PLAN.”, insert: “THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY SHALL HAVE FULL AUDITING AND OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER AN ESTABLISHED AUTHORITY.”
SB 409’s cross-file, HB 97, was heard on February 20 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Dominic Butchko testified in support of this bill with amendments.
SB 409 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Ways and Means Committee, on March 20. As amended, MACo submitted updated written testimony in support of this bill.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
