Welcome to Frederick, Maryland, one of America's great cities. Renowned for its enterprise, architecture and culture, Frederick's distinctive character and progress are the result of more than 250 years of thoughtful planning and achievement by countless citizens.

City Government

Frederick's efficient, independent government structure combined with visionary, yet stable leadership, has resulted in a local business environment that is extremely progressive. Governed by a Mayor and a five-member Board of Aldermen who are elected to four-year terms of service, the Mayor serves as the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch while the Aldermen are vested with legislative powers. The City's tax rate is comparable with other local municipalities in the region (FY2005 .69¢/$100 assessed value). Forty municipal departments, offices, and commissions administer The City of Frederick's extensive public service functions.

Established in 1990, the Downtown Frederick Partnership (DFP), formerly Greater Frederick Development Corporation, is a non-profit organization that focuses on the core downtown area through the implementaton of the Main Street program. DFP is guided by a 25-member Board of Directors comprising business and property owners, professionals, residents, and government officials. Additional committee members and allied volunteers extend the scope of DFP's economic development efforts.
For more information on Downtown Frederick Partnership, visit www.downtownfrederick.org.

A History and Future of Opportunities

The second largest city in the State of Maryland, Frederick is long known for its contribution to progress. Indeed, Frederick has played a role in every chapter of American history since its founding as a frontier town in 1745. Colonial America's first pre-Revolutionary War uprising was staged on what is now the City Hall green; Patrick Street's first shops catered to pioneers who explored the untamed Allegheny Mountains; the grounds of the
present Maryland School for the Deaf served as a launching area for the 1803 Louis & Clark Expedition; and historic Kemp Hall played host to the 1861 Maryland State Legislature in its decision to remain with the Union. Home to Francis Scott Key, Chief Justice Roger Taney and Barbara Fritchie, Frederick has been graced with the presence of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and virtually every U.S. President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Our outstanding 40-block downtown historic business district remains one of the City's most distinguishing features. Saved from the Confederate torch in 1864 after town leaders raised ransom monies, the district was later saved from abandonment more than a century later in the mid-1970s when local officials made preservation and revitalization a major initiative.
After being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, local leaders set to the task of creating new, complementary business sites that would provide employment for Frederick's growing population. The City's
attributes of location, natural beauty, progressive government and citizen commitment continue to attract new enterprise as it has throughout
its long history.

Population
Numbers you want
Frederick's wonderful amenities have resulted in a doubling of its population since 1970. Our City population of approximately 53,000* and suburban population of an additional 50,000 is ethnically diverse and represents some 50% of the nearly 200,000* persons living in Frederick County, the largest geographic county in the State of Maryland. Frederick's median household income of $51,753 is well above the state and national averages. Highly educated, a significant percentage of the labor force is employed in the Washington, DC area. In The City of Frederick alone, more than one-third of our workforce invests 30 - 90 minutes in commuting time each day. Whether establishing a corporate business that requires a specially-trained labor force, or a service/retail venture that depends on customers, Frederick's growing population base will ensure the prosperity of your venture.

Character
Frederick defines quality of life
Frederick's renowned quality of life is nothing short of enviable. While award-winning residential communities, public schools, parks and shopping centers abound in every part of town, Frederick's 40-block, downtown historic business district defines the City. The historic district is a showcase of magnificent architecture, history, art and culture, specialty shopping, and fine dining. The seasons are celebrated with summer park concerts, holiday house tours, spring and autumn street festivals, as well as year-round performances at three cultural art centers. Baker Park, the City's 44-acre downtown municipal park, plays host to league athletics and park-supervised activities. Religious denominations, three colleges, and a host of civic and social organizations provide for the spiritual, intellectual and fraternal needs of residents.