Coordinated Approaches to Economic Development in Cecil County

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland’s Cecil County has experienced remarkable population growth. Increasingly, more people are moving to or visiting the County, a trend that is triggering economic growth. This paper highlights standard practices for small-town economic development that Cecil County can use as the demands on its economy continue to evolve. A thorough literature review was the primary research mode, but we also gleaned vital insights on the County from two of its officials, Stephen O’Connor and Sandy Turner. O’Connor is Cecil County’s Land Use & Development Director and was our project liaison. Turner is the County’s Tourism Manager. Our research found that fostering a welcoming environment for small businesses is key to rural economic development. Public-private partnerships can be an effective tool for realizing this objective. Additionally, the preservation of historic sites allows towns to retain their unique identity, connecting to another important facet of rural development: tourism. Communities that leverage their distinct characteristics as tourist attractions can significantly boost local and regional revenues. Finally, engaging community members is imperative and increases the likelihood of success in economic development initiatives. Cecil County’s eight towns are different, but if they incorporate these findings into their individual development strategies, they may secure sustained prosperity for the County for years to come.