About Tri County Council
Tri County Council for Western Maryland, Inc (TCCWMD) is a regional council serving the Appalachian counties of Maryland: Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties. We have been around since 1972, bringing local leaders together to address the challenges that broadly face Western Maryland. Together, we have served as a partner to direct federal and state funding to the region to improve infrastructure, communities, and economic opportunities.
What we do today is in direct service to local governments, non-profits, and the small business community. Tri County Council for Western Maryland is a designated development district of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). As part of our relationship with these federal agencies, we prepare annual Community and Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) to make certain that federal grant dollars are spent in accordance with regional priorities identified through the planning process.
We help local governments, non-profits and educational institutions access federal funds through Maryland’s ARC grant process and assist with EDA grant applications. We support small business development through loans from our Revolving Loan Funds, where we offer more flexible lending than traditional banks to encourage business growth in the region. We show up at meetings and participate in various organizations to provide context and make connections within the region.
Our organizational structure affords us more flexibility to support programs and projects in Western Maryland; we strive to be involved and support our partners. We seek to increase economic opportunities in Western Maryland each day. Have an idea? Give us a call!
The Board for Tri County Council is comprised of 26 members representing the three counties of Western Maryland. The membership is largely made up of elected officials but also includes an economic development professional and two private citizens from each county appointed by their respective County Commissioners.
The Board meets three times per year to conduct business and receive updates from the staff and regional partners of Tri County Council. Executive Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis for administrative matters of the Council.
William Atkinson, Allegany County Commissioner
David Caporale, Allegany County Commissioner
David Nedved, Allegany County Dept of Economic and Community Development
Eugene Frazier, Councilman, City of Cumberland, Municipal Representative
Todd Logsdon, Mayor, City of Frostburg, Municipal Representative
Stephen Nelson, Private Citizen
Kelli Allaway, Private Citizen
Paul Edwards, Garrett County Commissioner
Larry Tichnell, Garrett County Commissioner
Kim Durst, Garrett County Department of Business Development
Spencer Schlosnagle, Mayor, Town of Friendsville,
Municipal Representative
Jay Moyer, Town of Oakland, Municipal Representative
Dave Moe, Private Citizen
Merlin Beitzel, Private Citizen
Jeff Cline, Washington County Commissioner
Randal Leatherman, Washington County Commissioner
Linda Spence, Washington County Department of Business & Economic Development
Howard Long, Mayor, Town of Boonsboro, Municipal Representative
William Green, Mayor, Town of Williamsport, Municipal Representative
Roger Fairbourn, Private Citizen
John “Jack” Miller, Private Citizen
Mike McKay, Maryland State Senate, District 1
Paul Corderman, Maryland State Senate, District 2
James Hinebaugh, Maryland House of Delegates, District 1A
Jason Buckel, Maryland House of Delegates, District 1B
William Wivell, Maryland House of Delegates, District 2A
David Caporale, Allegany County Commissioner
Paul Edwards, Garrett County Commissioner
Jeff Cline, Washington County Commissioner
“Securing a loan through Tri County Council gave me the chance to make a transformative investment in my business: the purchase of a RAM press. This piece of equipment, far beyond what I could have afforded on my own, is opening the door for me to produce handmade dinnerware at a sustainable scale. Because of Tri County Council’s lender‐friendly terms and the scale of funding available, I was able to take my original dream of creating unique, durable pottery and expand it into a bigger vision than I had even imagined.
Beyond the funding itself, working with Chris and her team was an exceptional experience. From answering my many questions to even visiting my studio in person, they made the process clear, smooth, and personal. I didn’t just receive a loan—I felt the genuine support of people who are invested in my success and goals. That combination of resources and encouragement is what’s making this dream possible.”
