Cumberland lies tucked in the coolness of the Appalachian Mountains in Western Maryland. Since it was founded in 1787, this small vibrant city has ridden the ups and downs of the American economy. When the railroads ruled the world, Cumberland was a transportation hub. When smokestack industries were the mark of a successful city, Cumberland had factories—many of them. And now that technology is asserting itself as the wave of the future, Cumberland is riding that crest.

In the course of enjoying the boom cycles of its colorful past, Cumberland acquired a downtown streetscape seldom seen in towns of its size: four- and five-story Greco-Roman facades grace Baltimore Street, the main thoroughfare, and many buildings boast 6,000 to 7,000 square feet of space. Much of Cumberland’s charm lies in that architectural heritage. And that is particularly true in the impressive central business district, which the mayor and city council have taken extraordinary measures to protect, enhance, and promote. Tax incentive programs are aimed at encouraging businesses to renovate existing structures, and funds have been provided for identifying and graphically recording commercial space available in downtown buildings.

The city has established itself as an aggressive partner with the business community, and at the same time it recognizes the advantages of getting people to return to living “in town.” Tax incentive packages have been assembled to encourage families, retirees, and the single set to recognize those advantages. The program offers a tax freeze and other benefits to owner/occupants for renovating existing housing stock. That initiative appears to be working—people like the idea of walking to work and shops and having schools and cultural activities within walking distance, too.

Cumberland successfully combines the characteristics of a village and an urban scene. Not many cities can do that and at the same time offer the mellowing influence of a rich history and the excitement of a promising future. Cumberland Chamber of Commerce at City Hall Plaza.