MEDA Study Shows Record Return on Investment for County Economic Development in Maryland
Havre de Grace, MD (December 8, 2025) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announced that its annual study of county economic development offices in Maryland has found the highest three-year average return on investment documented since MEDA began tracking this data. According to the findings, every $1 invested in county economic development operations over the past three fiscal years has generated an average of $9.18 in combined state and local tax revenue.
“Consistently tracking this data is essential, as it allows us to demonstrate, year after year, how economic development fuels thriving communities across Maryland,” shares Tammi Thomas, president of MEDA’s Board of Directors. “Strong economic development efforts build pathways to quality jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, expand local tax bases- and lay the foundation for long-term growth. As more counties participate in this study each year, we gain a clearer picture of the true impact of these investments, and the results continue to highlight the lasting value of sustained economic development efforts.”
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University and MEDA’s Public Policy Awareness Committee, utilizing IMPLAN, a regional economic analysis software, to model the data. The analysis drew on information reported by economic development offices across Maryland from 2023, 2024, and 2025, focusing on jobs created or retained and the level of county investment in economic development operations.
“We have worked with MEDA since 2021 to calculate the statewide averages. Over the past few years, we’ve seen continued growth in participation and initiatives across Maryland’s counties,” John Hickman, director of BEACON, shared. “Recording the highest three-year average this year demonstrates the measurable impact of these essential efforts. We look forward to continuing our partnership with MEDA and seeing the people, programs, projects, and initiatives that move Maryland forward in the years ahead.”
Achieving a strong business environment that drives growth, attracts investment, increases the tax base, and creates good-paying jobs depends on many critical factors. These include economic development initiatives, strategic workforce development, competitive incentive programs, a focused marketing strategy, and state and local governments that act as true partners to business. Together, these efforts strengthen communities, create opportunities for residents, and help position Maryland for long-term economic competitiveness and resilience.
The study is conducted annually, with data for the 2026 fiscal year scheduled to be collected in fall 2026. Visit the MEDA website for more information.
About MEDA
MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.
MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by the government, businesses, and chambers of commerce as well as other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs, and projects, members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism, and finance. To learn more about MEDA, visit https://www.medamd.com/.
About BEACON
A Community Outreach Unit of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University. For over 30 years, BEACON has offered applied business and economic assistance to a variety of public, private, and non-profit organizations. To learn more about https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/business/beacon/.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Mia Vaccaro
mia@pprstrategies.com
240.608.4446
