After pandemic struggles, Hagerstown is upbeat about revived local economy

Yahoo

22-05-2025

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — Business owners in Hagerstown say the future is hopeful as the city rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has been a challenge for attracting visitors and investment, with many businesses closing their doors, especially those in the travel and tourism industries.
Dan Spedden, with Hagerstown's Convention & Visitors Bureau, says he's '…seeing more people visiting here and they're spending more money when they're in our community.'
In addition to the influx of visitors, Hagerstown Mayor Bill McIntire says the new minor league baseball franchise is also a big economic driver.
'We have that one major project,' says McIntire, '…with the stadium and everything seems to be filling in around it.'
But closer to City Hall, some once-vacant storefronts are filling up, with plans underway to expand the local shopping selection.
'We have three new storefronts coming downtown,' says McIntire, 'so everything's starting to fall into place.'
Entrepreneur Farruka Jamil has opened a dozen convenience stores in and around the city since the pandemic and is upbeat about the city's future.
'In Hagerstown, yes,' says Jamil, 'there is a lot of growth going on, and we have several businesses here, and we welcome everyone to come here and invest in Hagerstown.'
But horizons are even brighter, says Spedden, with a new downtown visitors center on the drawing board.
'It will be right on the cultural trail,' says Spedden, 'steps from the arts and entertainment district and right at the foot of the stadium with a brand new parking garage across the street. It's a perfect location.'
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