The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages a range of partners, including community leaders and residents, Economic Development Districts (EDDs), tribes, the private sector, educational institutions, and other stakeholders in planning for your region’s future.   The CEDS planning process creates the space for your region to identify its strengths and weaknesses and brings together a diverse set of partners to create good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth. 

An effective CEDS allows a region to maximize its economic development potential, as well as engage with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal partners to receive infrastructure and technical assistance grants, such as EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs.  ​The CEDS is a pre-requisite for federal designation as an EDD and must be updated at least every five years.  Overall, an effective CEDS planning process identifies locally-grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in your region.                   

​(Banner photo :  Southeast Commission, AK)    
         The CEDS At a Glance 
  • ​The CEDS helps to build on the strengths of your region, as well as identify gaps in resources or expertise that need to be addressed
  • The CEDS planning process can facilitate regional collaboration, expand supply chains, and grow and support new industry clusters
  • With a CEDS in place, regions are more likely to attract federal funds and technical assistance by demonstrating resources are used efficiently and effectively
  • The CEDS process can make your region more resilient and better positioned to plan for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and economic shocks
  • The CEDS can be much more than just a static document, but rather an engaging platform that generates region-wide discussions and serves as a call to action for economic development 
CEDS Content Guidelines 
​The U.S. Economic Development Administration's  release of the CEDS Content Guidelines and updated federal regulations in 2015 ushered in a new era for CEDS development.  The Guidelines provide a clear, streamlined framework for regional entities in crafting an effective and impactful CEDS.  The document includes recommendations on what should be included in each of the required sections (Summary Background, SWOT Analysis, Strategic Direction/Action Plan, and Evaluation Framework), and suggests useful tools, resources, and examples.  It also emphasize the importance of incorporating the concept of economic resilience into the CEDS.

Access the Guidelines on EDA's website here.  For specific questions about your CEDS, contact your state's Economic Development Representative (directory here).      
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CEDS Required Sections:
An Effective CEDS...

  The above links direct to the corresponding sections in EDA's CEDS Content Guidelines
  • Identifies a region’s competitive advantages
  • Demonstrates the EDD's/regional organization's grasp of key trends
  • Promotes cross-sector collaboration
  • Commits to measurable success
  • Tells a compelling story about the region’s past, present, and future
  • Motivates action and implementation ​