January 30, 2026

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Selects SRI International to Lead County-Wide Economic Development Strategic Plan

Montgomery County, MD – The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) announced today the selection of SRI International to develop a new County-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan for Montgomery County, MD.The strategic planning effort will establish a clear, actionable framework to guide economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusive opportunity across the County. The plan will build on existing assets while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in innovation, workforce development, industry growth, and community prosperity.

In November 2025, MCEDC issued a competitive Request for Proposals that attracted strong interest from firms with national, regional, and local economic development expertise. Following a comprehensive evaluation process that included proposal review and finalist presentations, SRI International was selected as the firm best positioned to deliver the County’s next generation economic development strategy.

“SRI brings a unique combination of rigorous analytics, innovation expertise, and practical experience working with regional economic development organizations,” said Jared Smith, President and CEO of MCEDC. “Their approach emphasizes actionable outcomes, collaboration, and long-term economic resilience. We are excited to partner with SRI on this important effort for Montgomery County.”
“Montgomery County’s exceptional ecosystem, innovative companies, skilled talent, and distinctive quality of life provide a powerful foundation for future growth,” said Christiana McFarland, Executive Director of SRI’s Center for Innovation Strategy and Policy. “This initiative will translate those assets into a clear, actionable strategy that strengthens competitiveness and supports long-term, inclusive economic growth. SRI is honored to support MCEDC and the community in this important work.”

SRI International is an independent nonprofit research and innovation institute with decades of experience translating science, technology, and talent into economic and societal value. Through its Center for Innovation Strategy and Policy, SRI supports communities across the country in developing strategies that align business, workforce, education, and community systems.
“We are thrilled to partner with SRI International to help shape Montgomery County’s next chapter of economic growth,” said Elana Fine, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “This strategic plan provides an important opportunity to take a deep dive into the County’s economic competitiveness and ensure that Montgomery County remains a top destination for innovation”.

The strategic planning process will include robust stakeholder engagement with businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, workforce partners, and community organizations. The resulting plan will provide a clear roadmap to support job creation, entrepreneurship, equitable opportunity, and sustained economic growth.

Work on the County-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan is expected to begin immediately, and a draft plan will be delivered to County Executive Marc Elrich by July 31, 2026. The plan will then be submitted to the Montgomery County Council for review and adoption in early 2027.

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