At the MACo Winter Conference, county leaders and partners examined how infrastructure investments can drive tourism growth while supporting residents and long-term economic vitality. The session focused on how counties plan projects that strengthen local economies, protect natural assets, and remain viable as climate conditions and travel patterns change.
Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton moderated the discussion and guided a wide-ranging conversation during “If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As a Tourism Strategy.”
Baltimore City Council Vice President @CCMiddleton6 kicks off the “If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure as a Tourism Strategy” session at #MACoCon.
The session explores how smart local investment drives year-round economic growth & sustainable #tourism.#MDpolitics pic.twitter.com/5cIiSpde9q
— Kevin Kinnally (@KKinnally_MACo) December 10, 2025
Panel speakers included:
- Mac Campbell, Executive Director, Baltimore Convention Center
- Ava Richardson, Director, Office of Sustainability, City of Baltimore
- Tommy Royther, Sustainability Coordinator, Wisp Resort
- The Honorable Pete Lesher, Chief Historian and Ambassador, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Tommy Royther opened the discussion by highlighting how four-season recreation and outdoor infrastructure at Wisp Resort support year-round tourism in Western Maryland. He explained how sustainability investments and long-term planning help stabilize local economies that once depended heavily on seasonal activity.
Ava Richardson focused on climate-ready planning. She outlined how infrastructure decisions that account for sea level rise, stronger storms, and changing weather patterns help protect communities and visitor destinations while supporting tourism and long-term resilience.
Talbot County Council Member and the Chief Historian and Ambassador at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Pete Lesher, spoke about heritage tourism on the Eastern Shore, emphasizing waterfront access, maritime history, and cultural preservation as economic drivers. He highlighted how thoughtful infrastructure investments can support local jobs while preserving the Chesapeake Bay’s historic and natural resources.
Mac Campbell closed the panel by discussing how large public venues anchor tourism economies. He explained how facilities such as the Baltimore Convention Center support hospitality jobs, conventions, and major events that drive activity well beyond peak travel seasons.
Council Member Middleton wrapped up the session by emphasizing the need for coordinated planning that aligns infrastructure investment with economic development and environmental stewardship. Panelists agreed that intentional, long-term strategies help counties grow tourism while serving residents year-round.
The session took place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
