FY 26 Approved Operating Budget

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ORIGIN & PURPOSE : The O ffi ce of Economic Development strives to build strong communities , industries , and markets in the County and provide opportunities for all County residents . The O ffi ce seeks to facilitate business investment , entrepreneurial development , and job creation to foster a diverse economy and expand the local tax base , enhancing quality of life for those who live , work , play , learn , invest and stay in Harford County . The Economic Development Commission was created by Harford County Code Chapter 9 , Article XXXI , Section 186 , and Bill No . 78 - 3 and amended by Bill No . 79 - 11 to create the O ffi ce of Economic Development to advance the general economic welfare of Harford County . The O ffi ce of Economic Development and its Economic Development Advisory Board market the County as an area for new business to relocate ; strengthen expansion of resident industry and small businesses ; explore programs that create job and career opportunities for County residents ; and expand availability of fi nancial resources for industry and small business . In December , 2022 , Executive Order 22 - 04 separated the O ffi ce of Economic Development from Housing and Community Development , making the primary mission of Economic Development to facilitate business investment , entrepreneurial development and job creation to expand the local tax base , foster a diverse and sustainable economy as well as improve the economic and quality of life of Harford County . MISSION STATEMENT : The O ffi ce strives to build strong communities , industries and markets in the County and provide opportunities for all County residents . The O ffi ce seeks to facilitate business investment , entrepreneurial development , and job creation to foster a diverse economy and expand the local tax base enhancing quality of life for those who live , work , play , learn , invest and stay in Harford County . GOALS : Stability and Growth : Generate and retain quality employment opportunities among Harford County - based companies to increase tax revenue Development and Attraction : Market the County for its premiere mid - Atlantic location , business climate , community resources , and robust logistics Entrepreneurial Innovation : Maximize co - located services in support of business startups and entrepreneurs Strategic Alliances : Support strategic alliances through leadership , fi nancial , and consultation services in order to leverage opportunities within northeastern Maryland and the Greater Baltimore Region .

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