A new initiative is underway to strengthen economic development efforts across Maryland’s counties and municipalities. The Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC), established in 2024 as the state’s first publicly backed community development entity, is hosting a two-day in-person summit designed to enhance local capacity for financing transformative projects. This event, done in collaboration with the Public Finance Initiative’s Rural and Small Cities Program, offers a no-cost training opportunity for local government professionals focused on advancing priority developments in underserved areas.
Titled “Investing in People, Places, and Possibility,” the workshop will feature interactive sessions led by experienced practitioners. Attendees will work together to identify pipelines of real estate opportunities in rural regions, deepen their understanding of mission-driven development deals, and explore tools such as the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program. The summit also aims to equip participants with strategies to assess funding shortfalls in rural communities and build stronger applications for federal financing mechanisms.
Local leaders will engage in guided exercises that clarify the lifecycle of impactful real estate ventures and expand their knowledge of public finance models. By strengthening these skills, jurisdictions can better position catalytic projects for investment and long-term success. The program underscores a growing emphasis on equitable development and financial innovation at the municipal level.
Registration is open to county and city economic development staff seeking to leverage new resources and collaborative frameworks. More details can be found through the official event page.
— news from Maryland Association of Counties
— News Original —
Day Summit for Local Economic Development Leaders
Maryland’s local governments have an opportunity to expand their economic development toolkit, as the state’s Community Investment Corporation brings together experts for a two-day summit. The workshop will help local governments better position transformative projects for financing through tools like the New Markets Tax Credit. n nThe Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC) is convening a two-day in-person summit to strengthen local economic development capacity and help jurisdictions harness the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program to advance priority projects. Established in 2024 as Maryland’s first state-sponsored community development entity. The Maryland Community Investment Corporation is partnering with the Public Finance Initiative’s Rural and Small Cities Program to deliver this pro-bono workshop for county and municipal economic development professionals. n nThe summit, Investing in People, Places, and Possibility, will offer hands-on learning with practitioners and guided activities to help local leaders: n nCollaboratively identify pipelines of rural real estate projects n nBuild capacity to pursue development finance & New Markets Tax Credits n nGain understanding about the lifecycle of mission-driven real estate deals n nExplore public finance strategies and tools n nAssess critical financing gaps in rural communities n nThis event is designed to help local governments move catalytic projects forward and tap into new federal development tools. n nClick here to register.