Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) contributes to effective economic development in America’s communities and regions through a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process. Economic development planning – as implemented through the CEDS – is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) programs, but successfully serves as a means to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration. The CEDS provides the capacity-building foundation by which the public sector, working in conjunction with other economic actors (individuals, firms, industries), creates the environment for regional economic prosperity.

Simply put, a CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. A CEDS is the result of a regionally-owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It is a key component in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by helping to build regional capacity (through hard and soft infrastructure) that contributes to individual, firm, and community success. The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region. The CEDS should take into account and, where appropriate, integrate or leverage other regional planning efforts, including the use of other available federal funds, private sector resources, and state support which can advance a region’s CEDS goals and objectives. Regions must update their CEDS at least every five years to qualify for EDA assistance under its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs. In addition, a CEDS is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an Economic Development District (EDD)

Throughout 2022, the CEDS Steering Committee has been working to rewrite the Region’s growth strategy to reflect changes counties have experienced over the last four years. The Steering Committee worked together to develop an overall vision statement and 10 strategic goals, along with a regional Strength Weaknesses Opportunity Threats (SWOT) analysis. The CEDS Steering Committee represents the interests of the northeast Florida region and includes community leaders, the private sector, government, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.”

2022 – 2027 Northeast Florida Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

For More Information, Contact Jack Shad at jshad@nefrc.org