Oct 12, 2026 - ECON Committee Worksession

The MoCoCouncilMD ECON Committee held a work session on October 12, 2026, to review MCEDC’s draft economic development strategic plan. Discussion covered its five signature initiatives, including the MoCo Talent Exchange, Scale 25 business support, place-based economic development, and Brand Montgomery. Members emphasized that the plan should identify initiative leads for accountability while remaining flexible, and asked for stronger Montgomery County context, clearer racial equity and social justice goals, and more specific measures and outcomes. The committee did not vote on the plan; the incoming Council is expected to consider it after comments from the incoming County Executive.

Funding and implementation were recurring concerns. Members said the initiatives need companion cost estimates so the plan does not endorse activities without funding them. Brand Montgomery was used to illustrate possible spending scales, ranging from $100,000 to $100 million; no amount was approved. Scale 25 may require additional resources for a manager or contractor, but members favored developing that initiative before deciding whether to combine it with existing incubators or small-business support programs. Staff will bring requested research and revisions—including funding estimates and an implementation approach—to the November 5 work session. No contract awards, vendor selections, or procurement approvals were identified.