Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
St. Mary’s County’s Department of Economic Development
Economic Strategy
The St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development promotes economic growth, with a mission to “attract, retain, and expand businesses by providing resources and support, promoting the county’s business climate, and fostering partnerships.” This project followed prior work with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland on their Regional Innovation Ecosystem Collaboration initiative.
A rural, peninsular community reliant on the defense industry due to the local Navy base, St. Mary’s County faces a high cost of living, given its proximity to the D.C. Metro Area, and challenges in attracting and retaining talent trained in defense-technology. Its coastal topography, surrounded by the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, offers unique quality of life amenities but limits commercial development. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River significantly influences the county’s economy and has driven innovation and technology growth, though the county seeks to diversify its economic base.
The Department of Commerce engaged Fourth Economy to facilitate a regional, consensus-based action plan.
Our Approach
We incorporated data from a 2022 Select USA report, previous CEDS and planning efforts, reviewed preliminary work on economic resilience, and conducted stakeholder interviews to validate the EDC’s prior work on the economic development environment and resilience solutions. Building on the EDC’s work, we focused strategy development on four key areas: Workforce Development and Talent Attraction; Tech Transfer, Development, and Innovation; Local Agriculture and Seafood; and Rural Development and Quality of Place.
The Results
Work is underway on key initiatives supported by the CEDS priorities, including the AeroPark Innovation District Master Plan’s implementation; Lexington Park Sustainable Communities Plan implementation; and new farmers market facilities to expand direct marketing for local agriculture and seafood.
Location
St. Mary's County, MD