Governor Approves Expanded Enterprise Zones in Baltimore City, Frederick, Kent

Governor Wes Moore today announced the approval of three Enterprise Zone actions that will expand economic development opportunities in Baltimore City, Kent County, and Frederick County.

The Maryland Department of Commerce approved a 120-acre expansion of Baltimore City’s Enterprise Zone, an expansion and redesignation of the Chestertown-Kent County Enterprise Zone, and the redesignation of the City of Brunswick Enterprise Zone.

Enterprise Zones are designated areas where eligible businesses may qualify for State income tax credits tied to job creation and local property tax credits based on capital investment.

While the Maryland Department of Commerce approves Enterprise Zone designations, local governments administer the program.

The newly approved actions include:

  • Baltimore City: The Enterprise Zone expands by approximately 120 acres to include Fairfield, Poppleton, Reisterstown Plaza/Seton Business Park, Upton, and Westport. The citywide Enterprise Zone now covers nearly 16,800 acres.
  • Chestertown/Kent County: The Enterprise Zone expands by 45 acres, now exceeding 1,100 acres, and encompasses commercial and industrial areas, Washington College, the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, the Chestertown Business Park, and the downtown business district.
  • Brunswick/Frederick County: A redesignation of the Enterprise Zone with updated boundaries emphasizing the historic downtown, commercial and mixed-use areas, and the Petersville Road commercial corridor. The zone includes approximately 1,060 acres.

“We are thrilled that the state has renewed Brunswick’s Enterprise Zone designation for an additional 10 years,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “The zone is a dynamic and evolving corridor of redevelopment, and we are looking forward to seeing continued revitalization.”

MACo has consistently advocated for the preservation of Enterprise Zone tax credits, which are vital in attracting businesses and investment to economically distressed urban and rural areas across Maryland. These incentives drive job creation, improve quality of life, and expand local tax bases — benefiting not just counties but the state as a whole.

In 2025, Cecil County expanded its Enterprise Zone to more than 8,200 acres, while Howard County received a new Enterprise Zone covering the Route 1 Industrial Corridor and Columbia Gateway District. Baltimore County’s Chesapeake Enterprise Zone, including Tradepoint Atlantic and surrounding areas, was also redesignated through 2034.

To learn more about available economic development incentives in Maryland, visit commerce.maryland.gov.