Economic Development Commission — 2026-04-22

These are the minutes of the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission meeting held April 22, 2026. The agenda and March minutes were approved, and the treasurer’s report showing an EDC account balance of $8,269.24 was accepted. County commissioners summarized the finalized budget (including $8.7 million over maintenance of effort for the Board of Education and a 3-cent per $100 property tax credit), plans for a new Centreville Middle School with cost-saving measures and use of impact fees, a building moratorium limiting approval to 600 new homes over the next decade due to sewer capacity, and forthcoming zoning rules for data centers. Economic & Tourism updates noted Micro Ag Grants funding 21 projects with over $80,000, the 2026 Pitch competition winner (Alicia of Humble Hearts Catering), Small Business Week (May 3–9), rack-card outreach to graduating seniors, and $168 million in federal rural healthcare funding available; heritage tourism highlighted Maryland 250 events and promotional plans. Subcommittee and member updates covered workforce housing challenges at the Foxx Farm development (impact fees of $50,000–$60,000 per unit and possible rent-to-buy options), local events and development questions (Kent Island festival, post office staffing, Kent Island Crossing), Kent Narrows activity including the Jamal property sale to Off the Hook, and a $5 million grant opportunity requiring a $1.25 million match with offers to help connect stakeholders.