7-02-2026 4:51am

County Seeks

Jeff Barto Editor

Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board Recommends New Strategy to Grow Jobs and Strengthen Local Economy

Board calls for modern public-private economic development model to better attract, retain, and support businesses

TOWSON — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the release of the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board's report, outlining recommendations to strengthen the County's economy, attract new investment, and support long-term job growth.

The Board's top recommendation is to create a new structure for how the County retains, attracts, and markets itself to employers in order to promote job growth and expand the tax base in Baltimore County, while maintaining core government functions within the Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

“Baltimore County has always been a great place to live and work. It's a great place to raise a family, to start a business or to grow one,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We want to keep it that way. A strong economy creates good-paying jobs. It gives our residents more opportunities. It helps build stronger communities. I'm grateful to the members of our Economic Development Advisory Board for the time and hard work they put into these recommendations. Together, we can keep Baltimore County growing for generations to come.”

The Economic Development Advisory Board was appointed by County Executive Klausmeier and is chaired by Neil Meltzer, former President and CEO of LifeBridge Health, with Paul Tiburzi, former managing partner of DLA Piper, serving as vice chair. The Board includes leaders representing major employers, small businesses, chambers of commerce, and higher education institutions across Baltimore County.

Over the past year, members met monthly at locations throughout the County to evaluate Baltimore County's economic development efforts, how the County supports private sector growth, and how it can enhance the local business climate. It also heard from stakeholders and examined best practices used by peer jurisdictions.

The report concludes that Baltimore County's current economic development structure places the County at a competitive disadvantage. While Baltimore County has the second-largest local economy in Maryland, its economic development operates with among the smallest staffs and budgets compared with neighboring jurisdictions.

Under the Board's recommendation, business attraction and retention activities would transition to an independent public-private organization similar to those operating successfully for decades in Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties. Workforce development, tourism, agriculture, and arts and sciences would remain within County government.

In the report, the Board writes:

"The Economic Development Advisory Board believes that adopting this recommendation could be a catalyst for economic growth in Baltimore County. Having an entity with the right structure, tools, and flexibility would have an immediate positive effect for the County, starting with an increase in private sector excitement and confidence in Baltimore County's growth into the future."

The recommendation builds on previous independent studies that reached similar conclusions, including the 2022 Baltimore County Efficiency Review conducted by Public Works and a 2025 study by Towson University's Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI).

"The Board views the current structure for economic development as a competitive disadvantage for Baltimore County," said Economic Development Advisory Board Chair Neil Meltzer. “We have talented professionals in the department, but the current structure limits their ability to be as effective as they can be. Transitioning to an organization with greater flexibility, continuity, and capacity for innovation will better position us to support businesses and drive economic growth.

Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee and a member of the Advisory Board, praised the collaborative effort.

"We want to thank County Executive Kathy Klausmeier for bringing together leaders from across the business community to develop a thoughtful and actionable roadmap for Baltimore County's future," Thomas said. "These recommendations will help attract investment, support growing industries, and strengthen the County's long-term economic competitiveness."

Vice Chair Paul Tiburzi emphasized the importance of adopting a structure designed for long-term success.

“Having the right structure is essential to do the important work of economic development and business retention,” said Economic Development Advisory Board Vice Chair Paul Tiburzi. “Adopting the Board’s recommendation will give Baltimore County the best structure to compete for more jobs and support our local entrepreneurs and doing so will demonstrate that Baltimore County means business.”

Implementing the Board's primary recommendation would require action by the Baltimore County Council.

The full report is available here.

The Economic Development Advisory Board will reconvene in September to continue exploring additional strategies to support employer growth and strengthen Baltimore County's economy.