Economic Development

The mission of Community Development is to promote and enhance the economic growth and vitality of the City of Westminster as well as its quality of life by attracting new businesses to the area while supporting the retention and expansion of existing employers, along with promoting activities and events in the City of Westminster to increase tourism to the community.


The office serves as a repository for information on business services and programs available in Carroll County and the State of Maryland.  Information and assistance made available to the public through the Community Development office includes new business development opportunities, demographic and economic data and referral resources for financial assistance, business counseling, business services and business & workforce training.


The Community Development office administers the nationally accredited Downtown Westminster Main Street Program, the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market and the Downtown Westminster Façade Improvement Program.


To accomplish its mission, the Community Development office works with other area community development and tourism partners, such as the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, Carroll County Office of Tourism, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center and The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.

 

The Office of Community Development is also responsible for securing funds for reinvestment in the City’s older residential neighborhoods. The office seeks funding to complete community projects. Recently, major funding has been obtained through Community Legacy and Community Development Block Grant Programs from the state of Maryland. Staff also serves as a liaison to various community organizations.