Businesses, homeowners, and property owners in Joppatowne now have access to state funding programs for repairs, redevelopment, and commercial improvements after Maryland approved Harford County’s request to expand an existing designation that previously covered only Edgewood.
What’s happening: The state Department of Housing and Community Development approved the expansion of Harford County’s Sustainable Community designation — a state program that connects designated areas with funding for economic development and revitalization — to include Joppatowne. The approval letter is dated September 4. The designation covers the Route 40 corridor and extends an existing designation that already applied to Edgewood.
What this unlocks: Three state funding programs are now available to eligible businesses, property owners, nonprofits, and community groups in Joppatowne:
- Community Legacy, which funds business attraction and retention, commercial revitalization, home repairs, and streetscape improvements.
- The Strategic Demolition Fund, which covers property acquisition, site work, demolition, and architectural and engineering costs tied to redevelopment.
- The Maryland Façade Improvement Program, which helps pay for exterior upgrades to commercial buildings.
What we know from Edgewood: Harford County already held the Sustainable Community designation for Edgewood before this expansion. In 2025, the county received $450,000 in state revitalization funding under that designation. Of that total, $100,000 went to critical home repairs for eligible homeowners, and $350,000 supported revitalization of Edgewater Village Shopping Center and the surrounding community.
The Quote: “Expanding the existing Sustainable Community designation along Route 40 to include Joppatowne means that we can pursue additional resources to support local businesses, and improve properties and infrastructure. This gives us another tool to support investment and build on the strengths of this valued Harford County community,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said.
The path forward: The expanded designation covering both Edgewood and Joppatowne is valid for five years. Residents, businesses, and organizations in Joppatowne who want more information can contact the Harford County Department of Economic Development at (410) 638-3059.
