The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document. The CEDS is one of the pre-requisites required from EDA for federal designation as an EDD and must be updated at least every five years. An effective CEDS identifies locally-grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in local communities. It serves as a road map that brings together many voices from your region to form a common vision for economic prosperity and resilience.
In addition to the resources below, visit CEDS Central to access reports, case studies, videos, webinars, and presentation materials on planning, developing, and implementing the CEDS.
CEDS Central is a free resource curated by the NADO Research Foundation to share resources and information including reports, case studies, videos, webinars, and presentation materials on planning, developing, and implementing the CEDS. Click here to access CEDS Central.
NADO RF has created an online CEDS Update Resource Handbook with resources and examples to support Economic Development Districts as they engage with stakeholders in their regions around the new topic areas added to the CEDS Content Guidelines. Click here to access the Handbook.
SSTI and NADO RF jointly sponsored this webinar that explored how EDDs can better incorporate tech-based economic development (TBED) into the CEDS and other regional economic development efforts. The webinar included background information on the CEDS from EDA staff, and included examples from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and TBED partner Rev1 Ventures. Click here to view the recording and download presentation slides.
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. EDA designated its 400th Economic Development District and also released updates to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Content Guidelines. This webinar briefing provides a reflection on the state of the national network of EDDs and information about the updated CEDS Content Guidelines that highlight equity, climate resilience, and workforce development. Click here to view the recording and download presentation slides.
This tip sheet highlights best practices and tips for building a strong CEDS Strategy Committee and helps EDDs identify regional stakeholders that have the political will, funding capacity, and expertise to encourage smart economic development through the CEDS planning process. Click here to view the tip sheet.
Integrating CEDS and hazard mitigation plans can ease plan “silo-ing” between EDD departments, make identified strategies easier to implement, reduce uncertainty around economic downturns, and, most importantly, make your region more resilient and responsive to hazardous events. Learn best practices and more from our webinar recording, tip sheet, and tips from a planner resources.
This tip sheet offers a framework for EDD practitioners to use data to improve organizational practices and offers additional resources and scenarios for using this framework to improve teamwork in the office, tell the region’s story, and secure more funding for regional projects.