La Plata council adopts Ordinance 25-10 to create tourism zones, voice vote carries

La Plata — The La Plata Town Council voted Dec. 16 to adopt Ordinance 25-10, a measure that creates designated tourism zones and an incentives program for qualified tourism businesses under Maryland Code, Local Government §18-401. Town Manager Tuck Stevens introduced the ordinance at second reading and the council moved to adopt it following brief remarks.

The ordinance, Stevens said, is intended “to encourage growth and expansion of tourism-related businesses in the town of La Plata,” and defines administration of the incentives program. Councilman McCormick, who spoke during the discussion, said the ordinance’s fiscal impact had been reviewed by staff and stressed that the measure offers an opportunity for broader community engagement with council work.

The motion to adopt Ordinance 25-10 was made and seconded; the council approved it by voice vote. Stevens noted the ordinance “does not become viable until July 1” (the transcript did not specify a year) and said the Maryland Municipal League had already flagged the measure and forwarded it to the governor for review.

The council did not make additional substantive amendments during the meeting. The ordinance text and administrative details for the incentives program were included in the council packet; Stevens told members they will see the item again for implementation steps and related materials in upcoming meetings.

What happens next: the ordinance is adopted and will require the administrative steps noted in the adopted language before incentives can be awarded. The transcript indicates an effective/viability date of July 1 (year not specified) and that the measure has been transmitted to the governor for any required action or acknowledgement.