A RISE Zone is a geographic area that has nexus (a strong connection) with a qualified institution and is targeted for increased economic and community development.
Qualified institutions include institutions of higher education, regional higher education centers or non-profits affiliated with a federal agency.
The purpose of the RISE Zone program is to access institutional assets that have a strong and demonstrated history of commitment to economic development and revitalization in the communities in which they are located. Qualified institutions and local governments develop a targeted strategy to use the institutional assets and financial incentives to attract businesses and create jobs within the zone.
A RISE Zone designation will be in effect for 5 years, with a possible additional 5-year renewal. Counties and municipalities are limited to a maximum of three RISE Zones.
The current RISE Zones are:
| Municipality | RISE Zone | Acres | Expires |
Baltimore City
| Morgan State University
| 10.2
| 9/27/2023
|
Baltimore County
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
| 71.00
| 5/17/2022
|
Montgomery
| Montgomery College
| 28
| 9/27/2023
|
| Prince George's | Greater College Park | 109.00 | 12/4/2021 |
Wicomico
| Salisbury University
| 129.9
| 9/27/2023
|
RISE Zone Map
BENEFIT
Businesses locating in a RISE Zone or an existing business doing a significant expansion within the Zone, may qualify for real property tax credits and income tax credits related to capital investment and job creation. A business concierge with the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) will be available to assist businesses with identifying and utilizing other State programs for which they might qualify, and with permitting and licensing applications.
APPLY
The designation of a RISE Zone requires a two-step process. Institutions must first apply to Commerce to be designated a Qualified Institution. Qualified Institutions applying to Commerce to designate a RISE Zone shall jointly apply with a county, municipality or the economic development agency of a county or municipality to designate a RISE Zone.
Applications to designate Qualified Institutions will be accepted on or after December 1, 2014. Within 90 days of submission of the application, the applicant will be notified if it has been designated a Qualified Institution.
Applications to designate RISE Zones will be accepted on or after July 1, 2015. Within 120 days of submission of an application, the applicants will be notified if the RISE Zone will be designated.
CONTACT
Abigail McKnight, Tax Specialist
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs
(410) 767-7234
RESOURCES
