Marriott International Inc. hopes to decide by the end of the year whether it will uproot from its longtime headquarters in Bethesda for another location in the D.C. region, and when it does, the odds don’t favor it landing in neighboring Prince George’s County.
That’s something to celebrate, according to Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker — no, not that the county’s not likely to win one of the most sought-after economic development prospects going these days, but that Marriott would even entertain the notion as part of its search for a new home. Baker doubts that a few years ago, while the county was still reeling from the scandal surrounding former County Executive Jack Johnson, the hotel giant would have considered planting its corporate flag in the county.
“Five years ago, I think, their workforce would have said no, and the county did not look like it hits the reputation,” Baker said. “Now we can have a serious discussion and not be laughed at, and that’s important, and it’s not a small thing. It’s why we can compete for the FBI.