Worcester County planning team reviews draft economic development and tourism chapter

Planning consultants and county staff reviewed a revised draft of the Economic Development and Tourism chapter of Worcester Countycomprehensive plan on Feb. 10, 2025, saying they will incorporate comments from county economic development staff, the Maryland Department of Planning and local stakeholders and bring a revised version back next month.

The discussion focused on aligning the chapter with local needs in Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke; confirming industry and employer data; and adding references to recent and potential regional economic drivers such as companies locating at Wallops Flight Facility. "We have received some comments from some of the prior chapters that were submitted and reviewed by the commission," the presenter said, and added that "they really like what we put together already." The consultant also acknowledged the need to fold county and state input into a later revision.

Why it matters: the Economic Development and Tourism chapter frames county strategies on tourism, small business, agriculture, industrial sites, and workforce development and will guide land-use and infrastructure decisions in the coming decade. Commissioners and attendees asked that the draft more fully reflect assets and events across the county beyond Ocean City, and requested updated counts for facilities such as golf courses.

Participants reviewed the chapter—s goals and objectives, which staff said were drawn from county economic development priorities and cover business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship and tourism marketing. The draft includes industry data (table 6-2) showing accommodation and food services as a leading sector, and a 10-year employment forecast to 2033. Staff said the chapter notes construction and real estate pressures including rising costs and labor shortages and recommends ensuring adequate land for growth, workforce training programs and infrastructure studies for broadband and natural gas in key industrial areas.

Attendees requested several clarifications and additions: naming the county—s major attractions and events beyond Ocean City (several speakers asked that Pocomoke, the Pocomoke State Fair, Berlin and Snow Hill be listed), verifying the stated number of championship golf courses, and expanding agritourism to note craft beverage operations. A council member from Snow Hill said he would coordinate local review and that county staff have begun targeted outreach in Snow Hill, including meetings with local ministers.

Staff said the housing chapter has been submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning for preliminary review and that the Water Resources Element and growth analysis remain in progress. They said revised chapters incorporating comments will likely return to the commission next month and that draft chapters are posted on the county website for public comment.

Next steps: staff will incorporate comments from economic development staff, MDP feedback and public input, correct factual items called out in the meeting and circulate an updated draft before the next meeting.