Northeast Florida Regional Council works on a broad range of economic development priorities — ranging from Northeast Florida’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to Regional Tourism and Fiscal Impact Modeling. NEFRC is the dedicated Economic Development District for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), providing technical assistance for the development of federal grant applications. The NEFRC also supports communities and Northeast Florida organizations through the use of REMI PI+ economic and demographic forecasting model
Jack Shad
Economic Development Project Manager
Monica Dominguez
Economic Development Program Manager
Cassidy Taylor
Post-Disaster Economic Recovery Coordinator
REMI PI+ Florida Counties Model
NEFRC uses REMI PI+ for economic impact analysis modeling to help measure the effects that one-time events or policy changes can have on a region’s economy. NEFRC has been providing support to estimate the economic impact of new infrastructure investments, business expansions, and public health interventions.
Featured Projects: Baker Plant-AS and Northeast Florida State Hospital
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
NEFRC is responsible for developing and implementing the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS strives to create a resilient regional economy by fostering innovation, competitiveness, and industry diversification.
To learn more about our CEDS initiatives (Click here)
Trails and Ecotourism Steering Committee
Following the impacts of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Council Board asked staff to begin a regional initiative targeting trails and promoting recreational opportunities. NEFRC established a Trails and Ecotourism Steering Committee in 2023. This was primarily done to help diversify local economies and to reduce the severe economic impacts of recent disasters. Additionally, four areas have been targeted:
- Develop consensus on a regional trail system
- Develop a regional brand to attract visitors to our diverse region's natural areas and recreational opportunities
- Promote recreational opportunities for our local citizens.
- Leverage NEFRC resources and relationships to support, plan, and implement projects at the local level.
Economic Development Technical Assistance
NEFRC staff has helped to attract funding in state grants to assist communities and organizations create economic development strategic plans, visioning exercises, and economic development plans.
NEFRC also assists with Federal Grant Applications including providing letters of support, CEDS compliance letters, and providing research support.
Featured projects: Town of Welaka Downtown Vision, Palatka Vision Plan, Baker County Economic Development Plan, and A1A Ocean Islands Trail Scenic Byway Organizational Plan.
Chat with Staff
Economic Development staff would love to discuss your projects and provide insight, review, and referrals and connections to strengthen your idea/grant application/ upcoming project.
Economic Strategy
- Economic Impact Modeling (Utilizing REMI PI+ Florida Counties Model)
- Elevate Northeast Florida
- Regional Tourism Committee
- Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Fiscal Impact Tool
NEFRC partnered with Nassau County to develop a Fiscal Impact Tool. Development of this tool will allow local governments to more fully understand the fiscal impacts of new developments and provide a method to test a variety of alternative future growth scenarios. Once completed, the tool will be available, free of charge, to all counties and municipalities in Northeast Florida.
Regional Tourism Committee
Through its not-for-profit think tank, the Regional Community Institute, NEFRC examined ways where our counties can work together to better leverage individual tourism development efforts to increase regional tourism.
A1A Ocean Islands Trail Scenic Byway
NEFRC received funding from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to help the Ocean Island Trails Scenic Byway Executive Committee develop an Organizational Plan for sustainability. The full report prepared by Halff can be accessed below:
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