Director warns of $500M statewide shortfall after court rulings; announces minority accelerator and new SBDC partnership

Economic & Tourism Development Director Heather Tinelli briefed the committee on several county initiatives and potential headwinds. She said the Supreme Court's decision striking down the tech tax and advertising tax "created a $500 million revenue deficit for the state," a shortfall that could reduce available funding for local programs.

Tinelli also outlined local responses: staff are drafting an ordinance to address long-running noncompliant businesses in agricultural areas and will launch a minority accelerator program in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Tech Council. The department plans outreach to small businesses and flagged upcoming events and site visits.