Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) President and CEO Jared Smith issued a statement Wednesday following the formation of the Potomac Regional Alliance, a new initiative focused on strengthening economic growth and competitiveness across the Greater Washington region.
The alliance was announced Tuesday by the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Greater Washington Partnership, Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Its first major initiative will be a year-long effort to develop a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
“The creation of the Potomac Regional Alliance is an important step toward building a stronger region and economy,” Smith said. “Our jurisdictions are deeply connected, and the decisions we make and the investments we attract, have an impact well beyond our individual borders.”
Smith said the alliance will allow Montgomery County and other jurisdictions to collaborate on attracting businesses, investment and talent, noting that major companies often evaluate Greater Washington as a region before considering individual jurisdictions.
The alliance’s 36-member steering committee includes representatives from economic development organizations, businesses, universities and foundations across Maryland, Virginia and DC. The group is scheduled to hold its first meeting Thursday, September 24.
