Economic Development Commission Minutes — 2026-04-22

Minutes April 22, 2026 · 3 page(s)

These are minutes of the Economic Development Commission meeting on April 22, 2026, recording approval of the agenda and previous minutes and acceptance of a treasurer's report showing a $8,269.24 balance. Commissioners and staff reported on the county budget (including $8.7 million over maintenance of effort for schools and a 3-cent per $100 property tax credit), a sewer-capacity building moratorium limiting about 600 new homes, proposed data-center zoning, economic and tourism updates (micro-ag grants, Pitch competition winner Alicia from Humble Hearts Catering, Maryland 250 events), and workforce housing concerns at the Foxx Farm development (impact fees and rent-to-buy options).

budgetproperty tax creditCentreville Middle Schoolbuilding moratoriumdata center zoningmicro ag grantsPitch competitionFoxx Farm (impact fees)

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EDC Meeting Minutes for April 22, 2026
I. Call to Order and Determination of Quorum
The meeting was called to order by EDC Chair, Shelly Gross-
Wade at 9:01 am.
Board members Present:
Shelly Gross-Wade, Vice Chair
Mason Popham, Vice Chair (Zoom)
Shawna Payne (Zoom)
Deayna Ewell
Jim Reilly
Kelsey Karbaum
Heather Bacher, Past Chair
Doug Silber (Zoom)
Pat Fox
John Anderes (Zoom)
Ryan Snow
Kenneth Knight
Members Not Present:
Lee Bridgman, Secretary
Lara Wilson, Treasurer
Larissa Costello
QACETD Staff Present:
Debbie Gil, Economic Development Coordinator
Lisa Gallow, QACETD Office Coordinator
Penny Young-Carrasquillo, QAC Heritage Tourism Coordinator
Others Present:
Jack Wilson, QAC Commissioner
Patrick McLaughlin, QAC Commissioner
Gigi Windley, Kent Narrows Development Foundation
Steve Johnson, QAC Planning & Zoning (Zoom)
Fred Beau, Centreville Town Council
Kim Kratovil, Eastern Shore Reg. Dir., Office of Sen. Alsobrooks
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II. Approval of Agenda: On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim
Reilly, the April meeting agenda was unanimously approved by all members
present.
III. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: On a motion made by Jim Reilly and
seconded by Heather, the March EDC Meeting minutes were unanimously
approved by all members present.
IV. Treasurers Report. EDC Treasurer Lara Wilson was unable to attend the meeting,
however, she did provide balance details, The current balance for the EDC account
remains at $8269.24. On a motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by Jim
Reilly, the Treasure’s report was approved unanimously by all members.
.
V. Commissioner’s Report: QAC Commissioners Jack Wilson and Patrick McLaughlin
provided an update to the EDC members. Commissioners discussed the finalized
budget, which includes funding the Board of Education $8.7 million over
maintenance of effort and providing a 3-cent per 100 property tax credit, making
Queen Anne's County the lowest in Maryland. They addressed the construction of a
new Centerville Middle School, highlighting cost-saving measures due to changes in
state funding and the ability to use impact fees for school reconstruction. The
commissioners also discussed the building moratorium, explaining that only 600
new homes could be approved over the next decade due to sewer capacity
limitations, and announced plans to introduce new zoning regulations for data
centers.
VI. Department of Economic & Tourism Development Update: QACETD Economic
Development Coordinator, Debbie Gill, provided a department update. Ms. Gill
highlighted new business meetings, Micro Ag Grants supporting 21 projects with over
$80,000 in funding, and results from 2026 Pitch competition where Alicia from
Humble Hearts Catering was the winner. She mentioned upcoming events including
Small Business Week (May 3-9) focusing on tourism businesses, and the annual rack
card distribution to graduating seniors featuring local job opportunities. The meeting
also addressed the $168 million in federal funding available for rural healthcare over
three years, with discussions about how to leverage this for local health care
improvements.
VII New Business:
A. QAC Heritage Tourism Coordinator Update- Penny Young-Carrasquillo
Ms. Young-Carrasquillo provided an update on Maryland 250 heritage tourism
initiatives, highlighting upcoming events including Revolutionary Spirits at
Colt Classic Brewery, a July 8th Declaration reading at the Queenstown
Colonial Courthouse, and various historic site openings throughout the year.
She shared department plans for website updates, radio and television ads to
promote the county's historical significance and monthly tours available at
historic sites.
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EDC Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2026
VIII Old Business
B. Subcommittee Strategic Plan Priorities Updates:
1. Workforce Housing & Transportation- Shawna Payne, Subcommittee
Chair, shared that Lindsey Dixon with La Crosse Homes joined the
meeting to discuss the new Foxx Farm development in Sudlersville.
He reported that impact fees total $50,000-$60,000 per unit, making it
challenging to build affordable housing. The developers are
considering rent-to-buy options for some units to make them more
accessible.
IV EDC Member Updates-
A Shawna Payne announced the inaugural Queen Anne's County Prayer
Breakfast, scheduled for the next day at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire
Department.
B. Jim Reilly shared information about the Kent Island Yacht Club's Motoring
Festival on June 6-7
C. Doug Silber raised concerns about post office staffing reductions and
inquired about the status of the Kent Island Crossing shopping center
development.
D. Ryan Snow provided updates on legislative work, including the successful
funding of the Queen Anne's Tech Center, which will become the Center for
Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
V. Liaison Updates
A. QAC Planning & Zoning - Steve Johnson provided a Planning &
Zoning update.
B Kent Narrows Development Foundation- Gigi Windley reported on
successful boat show events and the sale of the Jamal property to Off the
Hook, with discussions about ongoing improvements at Kent Narrows and
efforts to secure federal support for the tourism industry.
C. Kimberly Kratovil shared several key topics including a $5 million grant that
requires a $1.25 million matching fund. Ms. Kratovil offered to help connect
stakeholders with state officials to explore options for securing the match.
X Adjourn- Ona motion made by Heather Bacher and seconded by
Jim Reilly, all members present approved to adjourn the EDC meeting 10:41am.
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