HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — Civic leaders in Hub City gathered for the annual State of the City forum and were upbeat about how the community has emerged from setbacks during all the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Small business growth is seen to be driving that revival.

Stephen Schutte, recognized at Tuesday’s gathering of Hagerstown’s Small Business Person of the Year, said there were many empty buildings in downtown Hagerstown for the longest time.

“Empty windows, but you don’t see that anymore,” he said. “You see the pop-up shops. You see the newer restaurants and newer small business owners going in.”

Leaders say entrepreneurship is driving municipal growth.

“There are a lot of successes with the small businesses that are growing in Hagerstown, that are coming to Hagerstown and the people supporting those businesses,” Peter Perini, Sr., the newest member of city council, said.

But city leaders are not losing sight of basic services.

“We’re funding grants for restaurants and small businesses. Putting money towards public safety,” city councilmember, Tiara Burnett, said. “We just purchased a new fire truck.”

Councilmember Matt Schindler, said there has been a lot of growth and investment.

“There’s an opportunity here. That’s our greatest strength right now and I think it’s going to snowball,” he said.

Mayor Tekisha Martinez added that Hagerstown is becoming competitive.

“We’re where businesses want to come,” Martinez said.