On February 5, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in support of SB 300 – Economic Development – Rural Readiness Program and Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund – Establishment. 

This bill establishes the Rural Readiness Program and the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund to be administered by the Rural Maryland Council.

Counties play a critical role in advancing economic development, particularly in rural communities that often face resource constraints when pursuing investment opportunities. SB 300 responds directly to these challenges by creating a structured program to help rural communities build readiness for economic development and compete more effectively for available grant funding.

From MACo Testimony: 

The Rural Readiness Program will assist eligible applicants, including local governments, in strengthening grant applications, developing viable projects, and preparing communities for future investment. By prioritizing grant awards for entities that complete the program, the bill incentivizes thoughtful planning and ensures that limited resources are directed toward projects with a higher likelihood of success.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog