Local Government / Non-Profit
Tri County Council for Western Maryland is an important partner to local governments and non-profits in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, by providing access to federal grant funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
We represent a working partnership of federal, state, and local government. Further, in collaboration with our local government partners, we lead regional efforts with the goal of bolstering the regional economy to provide more opportunities to the people of Western Maryland.
Our organization was established in 1972 as an instrumentality of local government, serving Western Maryland with the purpose of encouraging and facilitating regional cooperation on issues of greater-than-local significance. Today, this looks like leading a US EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant for work in the 3 counties ($1.5 M) and serving as the backbone organization for the fledgling Western Maryland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.
Our organizational structure allows us to be nimble and quickly adapt to the emerging needs of the local governments in Western Maryland. We are well poised to build partnerships and step into new opportunities that spur economic development.
“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.”
