**FILE** Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
**FILE** Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

This year marks the Maryland Economic Development Corporationโ€™s (MEDCO) 40th year of existence with its goals of catalyzing economic growth, revitalizing communities and creating employment opportunities across the state.

โ€œFor 40 years and counting, MEDCO has leveraged the power of partnership to make our state more competitive,โ€ said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. โ€œToday we reaffirm our commitment to that mission. Together, we will continue to create new jobs, grow the economy, and position Maryland to win the decade.โ€

In the mid-1980s, Maryland faced a pivotal economic challenge with the closure of its industrial manufacturing plants, leaving vacant buildings and displaced workers. In response to the challenge, the Maryland General Assembly established MEDCO in 1984 to rejuvenate the stateโ€™s economy and foster new industries amid a rapidly modernizing landscape.

Over the past four decades, MEDCO has greatly strengthened the stateโ€™s economic position, issuing $7.4 billion in bonds, funding 330 projects statewide, revitalizing and constructing 55 buildings, and developing 42 industrial parks.

โ€œReaching this milestone showcases four decades of MEDCOโ€™s resilience, adaptability, and dedicated efforts to reshape Marylandโ€™s economic landscape for the better,โ€ said Tom Sadowski, executive director of MEDCO. โ€œAs we reflect on our journey, we are proud of the lasting outcomes weโ€™ve created, and the transformative work that lays ahead. Our work with our public and private partners has enabled us to expand our capabilities and expertise as an all-around solutions provider for economic development in Maryland.โ€

Alongside its core financing initiatives, MEDCO has expanded its capabilities to include asset management, construction and development management, and advisory services, establishing itself as a trusted collaborator for its partners.   

โ€œGrounded in our mission to serve and prosper, MEDCO will continue to help our partners overcome challenges and innovate new ways for our economy to thrive,โ€ said Scott Dorsey, chairman of the board of MEDCO. โ€œWe take pride in the impact weโ€™ve made and look forward to continuing our mission of innovation and prosperity for decades to come.โ€ 

Virginia and District nonprofits can apply for a grant until Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.

James Wright Jr. is the D.C. political reporter for the Washington Informer Newspaper. He has worked for the Washington AFRO-American Newspaper as a reporter, city editor and freelance writer and The Washington...

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