Through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), the NADO Research Foundation is pleased to offer CEDS Peer Exchange Groups.

The CEDS Peer Exchange Groups are cohorts of small groups comprised of 4-5 staff from different Economic Development Districts who manage their region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

These informal groups are designed to help staff troubleshoot challenges with their CEDS, share methods and ‘best practices’, and support each other during yearly and 5-year CEDS updates. EDD staff meet with their group or full cohort to learn from each other and join in peer led networking, in addition to participating in periodic virtual CEDS training.

"The biggest benefit for me was getting to connect with other regional commissions working on their CEDS. It was helpful to hear about challenges others were facing, especially as new content guidelines came out, and to get feedback on what to look out for. I also learned about how one region adds and tracks new projects to their CEDS project list, and we are now adapting a version of their process for our own use."
"It was very interesting to hear how folks in various stages of CEDS planning were handling communicating with stakeholders. From first-time CEDS to renewals, different organizations had different practices which were helpful to learn about."
"I gained a wonderful network of professionals who all do the same or very similar work and understand the demands placed upon our organizations."
"Participating in the CEDS Peer Exchange Groups was perfect timing as I have been going through CEDS development for the first time. Others participating had more experience and shared ideas and lessons learned on stakeholder engagement, performance metrics, document organization, implementation process/project prioritization, and more."
Contact Program Manager Joe D’Antonio at [email protected] with any questions.

2024 Cohort I Full Cohort Trainings

November 2024 Training
Data Tools and the CEDS

January 2025 Training
AI Tools and the CEDS

2025 May Training – Wealth Creation and the CEDS

July 2025 Training – Housing and the CEDS

Cohort II is in progress.

Who should apply?

  • EDD staff who are tasked with managing their region’s CEDS
  • EDD staff who are looking to engage with other regions and learn more about the CEDS planning process
  • EDD staff who are completing a CEDS for the first time

What is expected of participants in the CEDS Peer Exchange?

Participants are expected to:

  • Meet/communicate with their group on a regular, mutually agreeable schedule.
  • Discuss the challenges others are facing with their CEDS and offer advice or recommendations.
  • Build a professional, working relationship with the others in their group.
  • Participate in periodic CEDS training.

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