EDC reviews draft strategic plan to build an innovation-driven economy; staff to revise and circulate next draft

The St. Mary's County Economic Development Commission on Sept. 21 reviewed an overview draft of a strategic plan aimed at building an innovation-driven local economy and advised staff on edits and next steps.

Robin, a commission member, presented the draft overview and said it comprises five broad priorities: people and place strategies to attract and retain millennials and young professionals; targeted industry clusters and innovation (including defense, advanced manufacturing, aquaculture and agriculture, tourism and hospitality, and unmanned/autonomous systems); creating a start-up culture and entrepreneurship support; streamlining regulatory or permitting barriers that can stifle new businesses; and protecting and growing the mission at Patuxent River (PAX River). "Bringing that piece of the project to closure is very helpful because it's not where we couldn't really complete the strategic plan if we don't have that major chapter," Robin said.

Commissioners discussed several specifics they want clearer in the draft. Members asked for: a localized definition or quantitative estimate for "middle class" as used in the draft; clearer language showing how targeted clusters also support economic diversification beyond defense; explicit language about preserving agricultural land and rural character; and stronger, concrete direction linking the start-up culture goal to county permitting and regulatory processes so that government procedures do not unintentionally block entrepreneurship.

Tom and other commissioners urged that the startup culture section be tied to concrete county actions — for example, ensuring incubator space, faster access to short-term rental or shared facilities, and reviewing permitting timelines and regulations that can delay business starts. Robin and staff acknowledged those points and said the overview will be followed by deeper chapters and an action plan that will include process changes and potential regulatory revisions. Staff asked commissioners to send editorial and substantive comments; Robin said the department would circulate another draft next week and may seek electronic sign-off where feasible.

Commissioners also emphasized the marketing and brand work recommended in the draft: better packaging of the county's assets (farm-to-table agriculture, shoreline and outdoor recreation, workforce quality) and coordinated messaging so residents and newcomers understand local opportunities. Staff said consultants' studies and supporting materials, including the tourism and hospitality master plan and focus-group responses, are available on the economic development department website.

No formal vote was taken on the strategic plan overview. The commission directed staff to incorporate the edits discussed, circulate a revised draft for review, and prepare the fuller document and an action plan for future meetings.