This episode is about the need for a La Plata Economic Development function.
At the December 10, 2024, Town Council meeting, Town of La Plata Ordinance 24-20, Tourism Zones was introduced as a first reading.
This is based on State enabling legislation enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 2024, House Bill 1281/Senate Bill 0014 (Maryland Code, Local Government § 18-401), which enables municipalities to create tourism zones to encourage the growth and expansion of tourism-related businesses within areas designated by those jurisdictions.
I was not in favor of moving the proposed tourism ordinance to legislation for this and other reasons, including:
*Limited administrative or staff capacity to run this program
*No incentives were provided
*What are fiscal impacts – costs, revenue generation?
*Can current town functions support tourism or diversity in our tax base?
Are there other options – form an Economic Development Commission or function, combining current town activities?
YouTube Video Link
Downtown La Plata Development
My Third Year as Town Council Member
La Plata 2025 Election
Ordinance 24-20 - Tourism Zones
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