Baltimore County may be poised to rethink how it attracts and retains businesses following the release of a new report recommending a public-private
approach to economic development.
Released by the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board, the report’s primary recommendation is to establish an independent organization dedicated to business attraction, retention, and marketing while maintaining core government functions, including workforce development, tourism, agriculture, and arts and sciences, within the County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said the recommendations are intended to strengthen Baltimore County’s economy and position it for long-term success. From the press release:
“A strong economy creates good-paying jobs. It gives our residents more opportunities. It helps build stronger communities,” Klausmeier said. “I’m grateful to the members of our Economic Development Advisory Board for the time and hard work they put into these recommendations. Together, we can keep Baltimore County growing for generations to come.”
The Advisory Board, which spent the past year evaluating the County’s economic development efforts and reviewing best practices from peer jurisdictions, concluded that Baltimore County’s current organizational structure places it at a competitive disadvantage despite having Maryland’s second-largest local economy.
Under the proposed model, business recruitment and retention activities would transition to an independent public-private organization similar to those operating in Baltimore City and several Maryland counties, including Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s. County government would continue overseeing workforce development and other related programs.
Additionally, the report advised that creating a dedicated organization with greater flexibility could improve the County’s ability to compete for new employers, expand the tax base, and strengthen long-term economic growth. Implementation of the recommendation would require action by the Baltimore County Council.
