CHESTERTOWN, MD June 8, 2026: The Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) is developing its first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a regionally driven roadmap that aligns partners, priorities, and projects to strengthen economy and improve quality of life throughout Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne counties. The USRC also seeks to establish a federally recognized Economic Development District (EDD) to include the three counties, positioning the region to pursue new federal funding opportunities.
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires EDDs to update their CEDS at least every five years. The strategy will include five primary elements: Summary Background, SWOT Analysis, Strategic Direction, Evaluation Framework, and Economic Resilience.
“The Upper Shore Regional Council is excited to support the launch of this important collaborative process,” said Susan O’Neill, Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council. “Engaging regional partners, employers, and community stakeholders will help ensure the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy reflects the priorities, opportunities, and long-term vision of the Upper Shore region. The initiative launched in late April with a discovery phase focused on reviewing existing plans and analyzing key regional data, including demographic trends, labor market conditions, and industry strengths, the CEDS by year’s end.”
Next, the project will move into a phase of broad regional engagement, bringing together voices from across the community. TPMA looks forward to engaging public sector leaders and staff, economic development partners, employers, healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit and civic organizations, and citizens—all of whom will play an important role in shaping a bold, shared vision for the region’s economic future. On-site public engagement is expected to take place late this summer.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this effort is the opportunity to align economic development planning across the Upper Shore region with federal investment priorities and requirements,” said Michael Mills, Project Lead with TPMA. “That alignment can help open the door to potentially transformative federal funding opportunities that support infrastructure, workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and broader economic growth across Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties.”
USRC and TPMA will identify strategies corresponding to the data analysis and priorities set by stakeholders. An evaluation framework will include actions for implementation, timelines, key performance indicators, and resources. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Once complete, the draft plan will be posted for public review for a minimum of 30 days before it is submitted to the EDA.
About USRC
Since 2003, the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) has fostered planning and development in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. USRC affords federal, state, county, and local governments a regional forum to identify issues and opportunities. USRC plans and implements programs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Shore Region of Maryland. Visit usrcmd.org for more information.
About TPMA
TPMA empowers organizations and communities through strategic partnerships and informed solutions that create positive, sustainable change. For community champions who are loyal to improving local and regional economic outcomes, TPMA provides professional consulting services and delivers transparent insights to the complete workforce, education, and economic development ecosystem that allows them to move forward together. TPMA envisions a world that thinks strategically, works collaboratively, and acts sustainably. Visit www.tpma-inc.com and follow TPMA on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Allison Digilio
TPMA
814-746-5309
adigilio@tpma-inc.com