FY 2017 Budget Highlights
Priority # 3
Jobs - Economic Development Initiatives
Goals:
1. Establish a Business and Industry Cabinet to provide timely advice and direction to the CE and
Economic Development Office. Advise on trends, environmental factors and other business
issues to guide the development of business and economic success in Frederick County.
Due Date:
2015 - Elevate Office of Economic Development to County Executive Office (complete)
2015 - Business and Industry Cabinet appointed (complete)
2016/2017 - Cabinet to provide input on three goals - Regional Branding; Workforce Needs
Analysis; Business Innovation Center/Incubator (ongoing)
2. Establish a Downtown Business Innovation Center and Incubator. Utilize vacant downtown
county owned building. Innovation Center will include economic development partners including
the Chamber of Commerce, Ft. Detrick Tech Transfer, a new IT incubator under the FITCI
umbrella, and others.
Due Date:
2015
Identify plan, partners, and location for new business innovation center (complete)
2015 - Relocate Office of Economic Development to 118 location (complete)
2016 - Partner with Downtown Partnership to secure funding for design consultant (complete)
2016 - Develop agreements with local partners (in progress)
Ft. Detrick Tech Transfer Office PIA (complete)
2016 Hire new incubator director/FITCI (complete)
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2016/2017 - Renovate and Remodel 118 location for the innovation center (in progress)
3. Initiative Rebranding Effort to message/promote Frederick County as a unique, vibrant jobs
center
Due Date:
2016 Develop RFP for rebranding; Hire consultant; Engage in rebranding process
2017 Implement branding
4. Engage in Regional Collaboration with other counties, businesses, and economic entities to
broaden the economic appeal of Frederick County.
Due Date:
2016 - Participate in I-270 Regional Branding (in progress)
2016 - Participate in MedImmune/AstraZeneca regional branding (in progress)
5. Incorporate the Workforce Services department into the Office of Economic Development
(OED) to ensure strong collaboration of business services and to meet workforce needs. Provide
quality labor force support and development for current and new businesses.
Due Date:
2015 - Workforce Services Department incorporated into the Office of Economic Development
(Complete)
2016/2017 - Co-locate Workforce Services at Frederick Community College Advanced
Technology Center to take advantage of synergies. Funding (complete); Construction (In
progress)
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