FY 26 Proposed Operating Budget Book

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ORIGIN & PURPOSE: The Office of Economic Development strives to build strong communities, industries, and markets in the County and provide opportunities for all County residents. The Office 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 Office of Economic Development to advance the general economic welfare of Harford County. The Office 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 financial resources for industry and small business. In December, 2022, Executive Order 22-04 separated the Office 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 Office strives to build strong communities, industries and markets in the County and provide opportunities for all County residents. The Office 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, financial, and consultation services in order to leverage opportunities within northeastern Maryland and the Greater Baltimore Region.

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