MEDA Study Finds $11.67 Economic Impact for Every $1 Invested in County Economic Development
Havre de Grace, MD (October 2, 2026) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announced a record-high return on investment for county economic development operations, with every $1 invested generating an average of $11.67 in economic impact over the past three fiscal years.
The $11.67 return is an increase from the $9.18 three-year average reported in MEDA’s previous study for fiscal year 2025 and is the highest return recorded since MEDA began tracking the data in 2021.
“Year over year, this study shows the measurable impact economic development has across Maryland,” said Tammi Thomas, president of MEDA’s Board of Directors. “That return builds over time. Projects can take months or years to complete, and their impact continues long after. This study helps counties see the direct connection between their investment in economic development and the jobs and economic activity it generates.”
Economic development takes many forms, including business attraction and expansion, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure improvements. These efforts help communities attract and retain businesses, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and improve opportunities for the people who live and work there.
“MEDA members work every day to improve the state’s business climate and the communities they serve,” said Pamela J. Ruff, executive director of MEDA. “Their work spans attracting and retaining businesses, strengthening our workforce and infrastructure, supporting diverse industries, improving quality of life, and helping communities to respond to challenges. This study helps us put measurable value behind that work, recognize the professionals who drive it, and demonstrate the continued investment that economic development delivers for Maryland.”
The study was conducted in partnership with the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University and MEDA’s Public Policy Awareness Committee. BEACON utilized IMPLAN, a regional economic analysis software, to analyze data reported by economic development offices across Maryland for 2024, 2025, and 2026, including jobs created or retained as well as county investments in economic development operations.
“Each year we work with the dedicated economic development professionals across the state to collect data on the impacts of their activities,” shares John Hickman, director of BEACON. “We are very happy that all 24 of the Maryland jurisdictions were able to provide data for our analysis. The three-year average ROI allows MEDA members to share one of the measures of the impact their work has on our economy.”
Participation from all 24 jurisdictions, including Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City, gives the study a statewide perspective on local economic development efforts and provides a broader look at the return generated by investments in economic development.
MEDA conducts the study annually to track the impact of county investment in economic development.
For more information about MEDA and the study, visit the MEDA website.
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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/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mia Vaccaro-Welsh
mia@pprstrategies.com
240.608.4446
