A new analysis from the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) highlights something that communities across Maryland experience every day: investing in economic development creates opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities.
MEDA’s latest analysis found that every $1 invested in county economic development generated an average of $11.67 in economic impact over the past three fiscal years. While the figure represents a statewide average, the findings reinforce the importance of the work being done locally to support business growth, encourage private investment, and create and retain jobs.
For Garrett County, economic development starts with understanding and responding to the needs of the businesses and entrepreneurs who call our community home.
Garrett County Business Development works directly with existing businesses to help them grow, navigate challenges, identify resources, and pursue new opportunities. The department also works with businesses considering Garrett County for investment, helping connect them with available properties, financing resources, workforce partners, government agencies, and other resources needed to move a project forward.
That work can have a very real impact on the local economy.
When a Garrett County business expands, it can mean new jobs for local residents, additional investment in a building or property, more business for local contractors and suppliers, and increased economic activity throughout the community. When a new company chooses to invest in Garrett County, the benefits can extend well beyond the initial project.
“Our focus is on helping Garrett County businesses succeed and creating an environment where investment can happen,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development for Garrett County. “Every business we help grow, every new investment we help facilitate, and every job we help create or retain contributes to the strength of our local economy.”
The MEDA analysis was conducted in partnership with the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University and MEDA’s Public Policy Awareness Committee. Using IMPLAN, a regional economic analysis software, BEACON analyzed data reported by economic development offices across Maryland for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, including jobs created or retained and county investments in economic development operations.
The statewide findings provide an important reminder that economic development is not simply an administrative function—it is an investment in the communities those offices serve.
In Garrett County, that investment is focused on building a stronger and more diverse local economy, supporting the businesses already here, attracting new investment, and creating opportunities for residents to build their careers and their futures close to home.
Economic development happens locally. And in Garrett County, the goal is simple: help our businesses grow, encourage investment, create opportunities, and build an economy that works for our community.
