Capital Gazette Story on Business Climate Features Commentary from AAEDC President & CEO Amy Gowan

January 17, 2025

The Capital Gazette featured commentary from AAEDC President and CEO Amy Gowan in an article  published on the front page of its January 17, 2025 edition.

The article, “As legislative session gets underway, staffing shortages remain a challenge for Anne Arundel businesses,” focused on how a lack of affordable housing in the region is contributing to many Anne Arundel County businesses’ workforce challenges.

The article featured the following commentary from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman:

“There’s sort of an unlimited supply of people who have money who are happy to live close to the Chesapeake Bay in this beautiful place that we have. But our economy can’t survive on those people, because they won’t do the jobs that our businesses need.”

Discussing the business climate in the context of the 2025 legislative session, it concluded with the following commentary from AAEDC President & CEO Amy Gowan:

“I am hearing that many businesses in our county have faced a tough year. Although consumer spending remains high, costs of goods and services are straining discretionary spending, prompting consumers to be more selective.

“We’re excited about the opportunities to redevelop older commercial areas and have been collaborating with other (economic development organizations) in the region to advance HB0097,” which would expand redevelopment initiatives and is sponsored by Lily Qi, a Democrat representing the 15th District.

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