Economic Development Archives

New Innovation Hub Strengthens Charles County Defense Corridor

A new advanced manufacturing and defense technology project is taking shape in Charles County as partners broke ground on the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub, a facility expected to support research, production, and workforce growth tied to the region's defense sector. The project is being developed through a partnership between the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI), the Energetics Technology Center, and local and federal stakeholders. The initiative is backed by a $50 million award…

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June 4, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Feature / General Assembly News / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

The Briefing Room Ep 4: The Data Center Dilemma

In Episode 4 of The Briefing Room, we continue our five-part energy series with a closer look at one of the fastest-growing and most controversial issues facing state and local governments: data centers. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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June 2, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Feature / Planning and Zoning / Risk Management / Transportation and Public Works

The Briefing Room Ep 3: Where Our Power Comes From

In Episode 3 of The Briefing Room, Maryland’s energy picture comes into sharper focus. Host Dom Butchko is joined by Public Service Commission Chair Kumar Barve to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the state: where does our power actually come from? Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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May 26, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development

Webinar Recap: What Counties Need to Know About Opportunity Zones 2.0

Local governments joined the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) on May 20 for the state’s Opportunity Zones 2.0 Local Stakeholders Kickoff Webinar. The webinar outlined Maryland’s approach to the next round of federal Opportunity Zone designations. The webinar focused on recent federal changes to the Opportunity Zone (OZ) program under HR 1 and the important role counties will play in helping identify eligible census tracts for designation. Opportunity Zones are federally designated…

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May 22, 2026

Economic Development / Emergency Management / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management

Climate Resilience Summit Seeks Strategies To Prevent Small Business Displacement

As local governments continue investing in climate resilience, disaster recovery, and infrastructure improvements, a growing conversation is emerging around how those efforts can unintentionally contribute to displacement, particularly for small businesses in vulnerable communities. The 2026 Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Summit is seeking proposals focused on equitable climate resilience and recovery strategies that help small businesses remain rooted in place as communities adapt to climate pressures. The virtual summit, scheduled for Nov. 12–13, is co-hosted…

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May 20, 2026

County Budgets / Economic Development / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management / Transportation and Public Works

EPA Announces Funding for Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new funding to support sewer overflow and stormwater management projects across the Mid-Atlantic, including funding available to Maryland communities. The funding comes through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program, which provides resources to help local governments upgrade infrastructure and reduce pollution entering local waterways. Of the approximately $80 million made available nationwide, about $14.8 million is allocated across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland. Maryland…

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May 5, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / General Assembly News / Intergovernmental Relations / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

News or Noise? Breaking Down Maryland’s 2026 Session

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, longtime hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are "back in the saddle" with a post-session "news or noise" breakdown of what really mattered, and what didn't, from Maryland's 2026 legislative session. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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May 1, 2026

Broadband / Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

Carroll County Broadband Infrastructure Project Earns National Recognition

Carroll County’s long-running effort to expand broadband infrastructure is drawing national attention, with its Public Network project receiving a 2026 Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect. The recognition highlights projects from around the world that demonstrate innovation in technology and infrastructure, and, in Carroll County’s case, reflects nearly two decades of investment in building a countywide fiber network. Carroll County’s Public Network (CCPN) is a middle-mile fiber network designed to support high-capacity broadband across…

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April 30, 2026

County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use

FY27 Rural Maryland Grant Cycle Now Open

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) has opened its Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle, offering funding opportunities to support economic development and long-term sustainability in rural communities across the state. The application process includes two phases, beginning with a Letter of Intent due by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. This year’s cycle includes more than $6 million in funding for two key programs: Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development…

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April 28, 2026

County News / Economic Development

DECADE Act Advances Economic Development Toolkit

The Maryland General Assembly has passed the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act (SB 388 / HB 898), a sweeping package of economic development updates aimed at strengthening the State’s competitiveness, supporting innovation sectors, and modernizing several long-standing incentive programs. MACo has consistently supported economic development policies that provide flexible, locally adaptable tools rather than one-size-fits-all mandates. The DECADE Act largely reflects this approach by extending key programs, enhancing financing flexibility, and…

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April 23, 2026