To keep our reporting independent and adjust for updated social media algorithms, Radio Free Hub City now delivers directly to your inbox. Please click here to learn more.
Recent findings from the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) have underscored the substantial economic benefits generated by investments in local economic development. Washington County’s Department of Business and Economic Development announced that, over the past three fiscal years, every dollar invested in these operations has produced an impressive $8.81 in state and local tax revenue. This figure highlights the effectiveness of such investments in fostering job creation and community growth.
Continues after this brief message…
Did you know? Paid supporters get a reduced ad experience!

We know you value local news and entertainment that is free, open, and independent. Producing high-quality, paywall-free content isn't free. It takes time, effort, and resources to keep you informed and entertained. Unlike corporate media, we don’t have deep-pocketed investors or big advertisers funding our work—we rely on you, our readers and listeners, to keep Radio Free Hub City running. We're literally running on a shoe-string budget, but keep working hard to provide as much news and entertainment as we can.
If just 5% of local area residents became paid supporters at only $5 per month, we could meet our fundraising goals and continue expanding our news coverage depth while continuing to provide free access for everyone. So, if you'd like to help us in our continuing quest to improve our coverage, please consider becoming a paying supporter.
Will you be one of the 5%?
Thank you for supporting Radio Free Hub City!
The study, conducted with the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University, utilized regional economic analysis software (IMPLAN) to evaluate data from 2022 to 2024. It assessed the economic impact of investments in county economic development offices, focusing on jobs retained or created and overall operational funding. The findings demonstrate the critical role these efforts play in generating significant returns for communities across Maryland.
This success reflects a broader trend where local economic development initiatives drive revenue generation, enhance workforce opportunities, and provide sustained community benefits. Washington County officials have expressed pride in contributing to these outcomes, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining strong economic growth.
Article continues after these messages…
In a time where local news media coverage seems to be disappearing, your contribution is more important than ever. While our in-depth articles are for supporting members only, we won’t put our core news content behind a paywall, because we believe access to news should be democratized, instead of access for only those who can afford it.
But keeping the lights on and taking the fight to local accountability takes resources. Your monthly subscription directly funds our public records requests, website hosting, and time spent analyzing local government and events so you don’t have to.
We are the only newsroom in Washington County with facts-first focus, locally owned, independent, while keeping our core news content free. Will you help us keep it that way?
MEDA’s updated impact study, supported by its Public Policy Committee, illustrates the tangible benefits of strategic investments in economic development. With county offices delivering substantial financial returns to state and local governments, the report reaffirms the value of these operations in securing long-term prosperity for Maryland’s communities.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
Do you believe we got something wrong? Please read our publishing standards and corrections policy.
Video Spotlight
Did you know? Supporters get a reduced ad experience!
Sponsored Articles
Get daily and breaking news for Washington County, MD area from Radio Free Hub City. Sign up with your email today!
Paid supporters have a reduced ad experience!
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.



