WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
Business & Economic Development - Department 12500
Contact: Jonathan Horowitz
Department Description/Function
The Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is a county agency that provides assistance to new and expanding businesses throughout Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland. DBED interacts with a vast network of public, private, and non-profit organizations to address the business needs of the community, as well as attracting new companies to the County.
Goals Fiscal Year 2026
Encourage access to economic incentives for quality job creation and/or tax base enhancement. Encourage existing neighborhoods to grow “in - place” keeping jobs close to where people live. Collaborate with local educational institutions to coordinate training/skill requirements to meet the needs to local employers. Collaborate with other agencies and institutions to identify programs and services to assist in the creation of new small businesses. Expand marketing campaigns to include various digital marketing platforms including social media, search engines, email marketing, etc. Continue a collaborative recruitment strategy among businesses, stakeholders, non-profit organizations and government. Design, develop and deliver a variety of informational workshops/seminars/webinars for business. Assist companies in finding appropriate sites for expansion or relocation. Strengthen programs which provide business development, information, and technical assistance.
Hire a new Business Retention and Expansion Business Specialist. Manage fiscal challenges aggressively through the budget process.
Accomplishments Fiscal Year 2025
Hosted our second Ground Hog Day Celebration Event. Created, implemented and staffed an exhibition booth at Maryland Association of Counties (MACO). MACO Taste of Maryland. Washington County Career Expo held in partnership with Hagerstown Community College. Attended Legislative Day in Annapolis. Hagerstown Spark Event with Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies (CBES). Received the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards of Excellence in Economic Development: • Awarded Gold for our “Grown Local” magazine Farm of the Year program was updated, and judging criteria was strengthened. Awarded to Linden Hall Farm in 2025. Partnered with Public Relations to complete the fourth annual Washington County Ice Cream Trail. Teamed up with 29 local businesses for sponsorships and had 581 citizens participate in this year’s trail.
2026 Budget Document
180
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