About
Tri County Council for Western Maryland (TCCWMD) is a regional council based in Cumberland, Maryland, that serves the Appalachian counties of Maryland: Garrett, Allegany and Washington Counties. Formed in 1972, it brings local leaders together to work on challenges facing Western Maryland and has partnered to direct federal and state funding into the region for infrastructure, communities and economic opportunity.
The council works directly for local governments, nonprofits and the small business community. It is a designated development district of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), and it prepares the region's annual economic development strategy so that federal grant dollars follow priorities set through regional planning.
TCCWMD helps local governments, nonprofits and educational institutions apply for federal funds through Maryland's ARC grant process and assists with EDA grant applications.
For small businesses, the council runs a Revolving Loan Fund that offers gap financing. Loans can support start-ups, business expansions and the purchase of an existing business in the region, with priorities that include creating and keeping jobs and backing under-resourced businesses. Repaid loans flow back into the fund to support more businesses.
The council's board has 26 members from the three counties, mostly elected officials, plus an economic development professional and two private citizens appointed from each county. Garrett County is represented by its county commissioners, its Department of Business Development, municipal representatives and private citizens.
Address
Cumberland, MD 21502