The CEDS is an important opportunity to engage with the U.S. Economic Development Administration and other federal partners to receive infrastructure and technical assistance grants. However, it should be much more than just a static document developed only for your organization to become eligible for certain types of federal funding. It has the real potential to be a true road map that brings together many voices from your region to form a common vision for economic prosperity and resilience. Below are training materials that cover a wide range of topics related to CEDS planning, design, and implementation. Please note that there is also a CEDS 101 page available here and an economic resilience page available here.
Understanding the CEDS
CEDS 101: What You Need to Know about the CEDS Right Now [Webinar Recording]
During this webinar, staff from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, NADO Research Foundation, and Southeast Conference covered CEDS fundamentals, best practices, and latest trends. The session is intended primarily for new staff working on the CEDS, though it may also be of interest as a refresher for CEDS veterans.
An Afternoon with the Districts (2023)
This event in March 2023 brought together nearly 70 participants representing EDDs, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, EDA community of practice partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to position EDDs for success in achieving regional economic development and resilience. Click here to learn more and download the presentation slides.
EDA and EDDs: Partners in Regional Economic Development [Presentation Slide Deck]
During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, EDA and EDD staff reflected on opportunities for collaboration, the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and how EDDs can effectively engage with an array of federal partners and programs. Click here to download the presentation slides.
CEDS Fundamentals [Webinar Tutorial]
This webinar tutorial provides an introduction to the CEDS, discusses key elements of the CEDS, and covers information about engagement, implementation, and other resources to support your organization during the CEDS process. This presentation is designed primarily for staff who are new to the CEDS, perhaps working on one for the first time. However, it should also be useful to CEDS veterans who are looking for a quick refresher. Click here to access the recording.
Empowering Regions through the CEDS Process [Webinar Briefing]
This 15-minute webinar briefing from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s David Ives discusses key features of the CEDS Content Guidelines, how to integrate the CEDS into Opportunity Zones efforts, and how the CEDS serves as a foundation for EDA’s CARES Act funding. Click here to access the recording and click here to view the presentation slides.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2022) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Nearly 60 participants from across the United States came together in Arlington, Virginia for the NADO Research Foundation’s “Afternoon with the CEDS” workshop on March 16, 2022. This workshop provided training on innovative approaches to CEDS planning and implementation, best practices and lessons learned, presentations on economic and climate resilience, equity, and outdoor recreation, and opportunities to network. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
Innovation and Opportunity: A Closer Look at the New CEDS Content Guidelines [Webinar Recording]
This webinar discusses EDA’s CEDS Content Guidelines and covers resources and strategies available to regions to drive economic development and resilience. The Content Guidelines provide a clear, streamlined framework to assist Economic Development Districts and other regional organizations in crafting an effective and impactful CEDS. Click here to access the recording.
National CEDS Forum (2019) [Presentation Slide Deck]
The first-ever National CEDS Forum was held in Columbus, OH on June 18-20, 2019. Over 75 participants from 31 states and Washington, DC came together for training sessions, networking opportunities, small group discussions, and a mobile workshop tour to Wilmington, OH. Attendees learned about the latest best practices and resources available to support their CEDS planning, development, and implementation. Session topics focused on economic resilience and diversification; accessing and interpreting data; aligning the CEDS with other plans; outreach and engagement; Opportunity Zones; and more. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2019) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Materials from the second annual "Afternoon with the CEDS" workshop include best practices in CEDS planning and implementation and strategies for supporting economic diversification to build regional resilience. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2018) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Staff from over 25 Economic Development Districts from across the country came together in Arlington, Virginia for “An Afternoon with the CEDS." This workshop provided training on innovative approaches to CEDS planning and implementation, an opportunity to share successes and best practices, and a collaborative space to trouble-shoot challenges in small groups. Topics covered included stakeholder outreach, engaging with your CEDS committee, new platforms for disseminating the CEDS, plan alignment, and more. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
Empowering Regions through the CEDS Process [Presentation Slide Deck]
This session at the 2019 Southwest Region Economic Development Conference provided an overview of the past, present, and future for CEDS planning efforts and share examples of best practices and approaches. Click to access presentation slides from the NADO Research Foundation, the Mid-Region Council of Governments, EDA Austin Regional Office, and EDA Headquarters.
Best Practices in the CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
With the release of the CEDS Content Guidelines in 2015, EDA empowered Economic Development Districts, tribes, and other regional organizations to make the CEDS process one that is more inclusive, engaging, and supportive of local efforts to foster resilient and prosperous regions. This session at the 2019 EDA Denver Regional Conference provided a brief overview of the past, present, and future for CEDS planning efforts and shared examples of best practices and approaches from CEDS across the country. Click the links to see slide presentations from staff of the NADO Research Foundation, the Northwest Missouri Council of Governments, and the US EDA Denver Regional Office.
Taking the CEDS to the Next Level through the Content Guidelines [Presentation Slide Deck]
The 2015 CEDS Content Guidelines ushered in a new era in CEDS planning, design, and implementation. This presentation explores the ins and outs of the Content Guidelines, features examples of CEDS that have embraced the opportunities provided by this framework, and explores additional key areas such as performance metrics, alignment with other planning processes, and engagement strategies to “tell the story of the CEDS” to key constituencies, including your board and CEDS Committee. Click here to download the slide deck.
Moving in the Right Direction: The Latest in CEDS Planning [Presentation Slide Deck]
The release of the CEDS Content Guidelines in 2015 ushered in a new era for planning, designing, and implementing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Through the Guidelines, the US Economic Development Administration has empowered regions to take local ownership of the CEDS process and think creatively about regional economic development. This interactive session at the 2019 NADO Annual Training Conference included presentations on the latest trends in CEDS planning to emerge over the past several years and small group conversations for participants to learn from each other about best practices and replicable approaches. Click the links to see presentations from the Region Nine Development Commission (MN), Centralina Council of Governments (NC), Southeast Conference (AK), U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the NADO Research Foundation.
CEDS 101 [Presentation Slide Deck]
This presentation demonstrates how data analysis leads to SMART goals, as well as how to develop an engagement process that involves multiple methods of public involvement such as surveys, interviews, and public workshops. Click here to download the slide deck.
Applying the Wealth Creation Framework to the CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
Rural wealth creation is an economic development framework focused on building regional assets to create multiple forms of wealth that is rooted locally. This framework, also known as WealthWorks, is growing in use by practitioners around the country and in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture and food systems, arts and tourism, energy, fishing, wood products, and transportation. In this learning lab, attendees learned how to use this asset-based, systems approach to rethink CEDS committee participation, conduct a SWOT, and develop strategies that build local wealth. Click here to download the slide deck.
Rethinking the CEDS and EDD’s Role in Economic Development [Presentation Slide Deck]
This presentation shows how to better revisit your value proposition (what are you offering your region beyond EDA grants?), review your CEDS (are there opportunities to align with other planning activities?), and rethink your impact (how are you measuring and communicating your results?). Click here to download the slide deck.
During this webinar, staff from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, NADO Research Foundation, and Southeast Conference covered CEDS fundamentals, best practices, and latest trends. The session is intended primarily for new staff working on the CEDS, though it may also be of interest as a refresher for CEDS veterans.
An Afternoon with the Districts (2023)
This event in March 2023 brought together nearly 70 participants representing EDDs, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, EDA community of practice partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to position EDDs for success in achieving regional economic development and resilience. Click here to learn more and download the presentation slides.
EDA and EDDs: Partners in Regional Economic Development [Presentation Slide Deck]
During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, EDA and EDD staff reflected on opportunities for collaboration, the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and how EDDs can effectively engage with an array of federal partners and programs. Click here to download the presentation slides.
CEDS Fundamentals [Webinar Tutorial]
This webinar tutorial provides an introduction to the CEDS, discusses key elements of the CEDS, and covers information about engagement, implementation, and other resources to support your organization during the CEDS process. This presentation is designed primarily for staff who are new to the CEDS, perhaps working on one for the first time. However, it should also be useful to CEDS veterans who are looking for a quick refresher. Click here to access the recording.
Empowering Regions through the CEDS Process [Webinar Briefing]
This 15-minute webinar briefing from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s David Ives discusses key features of the CEDS Content Guidelines, how to integrate the CEDS into Opportunity Zones efforts, and how the CEDS serves as a foundation for EDA’s CARES Act funding. Click here to access the recording and click here to view the presentation slides.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2022) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Nearly 60 participants from across the United States came together in Arlington, Virginia for the NADO Research Foundation’s “Afternoon with the CEDS” workshop on March 16, 2022. This workshop provided training on innovative approaches to CEDS planning and implementation, best practices and lessons learned, presentations on economic and climate resilience, equity, and outdoor recreation, and opportunities to network. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
Innovation and Opportunity: A Closer Look at the New CEDS Content Guidelines [Webinar Recording]
This webinar discusses EDA’s CEDS Content Guidelines and covers resources and strategies available to regions to drive economic development and resilience. The Content Guidelines provide a clear, streamlined framework to assist Economic Development Districts and other regional organizations in crafting an effective and impactful CEDS. Click here to access the recording.
National CEDS Forum (2019) [Presentation Slide Deck]
The first-ever National CEDS Forum was held in Columbus, OH on June 18-20, 2019. Over 75 participants from 31 states and Washington, DC came together for training sessions, networking opportunities, small group discussions, and a mobile workshop tour to Wilmington, OH. Attendees learned about the latest best practices and resources available to support their CEDS planning, development, and implementation. Session topics focused on economic resilience and diversification; accessing and interpreting data; aligning the CEDS with other plans; outreach and engagement; Opportunity Zones; and more. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2019) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Materials from the second annual "Afternoon with the CEDS" workshop include best practices in CEDS planning and implementation and strategies for supporting economic diversification to build regional resilience. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
An Afternoon with the CEDS (2018) [Presentation Slide Deck]
Staff from over 25 Economic Development Districts from across the country came together in Arlington, Virginia for “An Afternoon with the CEDS." This workshop provided training on innovative approaches to CEDS planning and implementation, an opportunity to share successes and best practices, and a collaborative space to trouble-shoot challenges in small groups. Topics covered included stakeholder outreach, engaging with your CEDS committee, new platforms for disseminating the CEDS, plan alignment, and more. Click here to download presentation slide decks.
Empowering Regions through the CEDS Process [Presentation Slide Deck]
This session at the 2019 Southwest Region Economic Development Conference provided an overview of the past, present, and future for CEDS planning efforts and share examples of best practices and approaches. Click to access presentation slides from the NADO Research Foundation, the Mid-Region Council of Governments, EDA Austin Regional Office, and EDA Headquarters.
Best Practices in the CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
With the release of the CEDS Content Guidelines in 2015, EDA empowered Economic Development Districts, tribes, and other regional organizations to make the CEDS process one that is more inclusive, engaging, and supportive of local efforts to foster resilient and prosperous regions. This session at the 2019 EDA Denver Regional Conference provided a brief overview of the past, present, and future for CEDS planning efforts and shared examples of best practices and approaches from CEDS across the country. Click the links to see slide presentations from staff of the NADO Research Foundation, the Northwest Missouri Council of Governments, and the US EDA Denver Regional Office.
Taking the CEDS to the Next Level through the Content Guidelines [Presentation Slide Deck]
The 2015 CEDS Content Guidelines ushered in a new era in CEDS planning, design, and implementation. This presentation explores the ins and outs of the Content Guidelines, features examples of CEDS that have embraced the opportunities provided by this framework, and explores additional key areas such as performance metrics, alignment with other planning processes, and engagement strategies to “tell the story of the CEDS” to key constituencies, including your board and CEDS Committee. Click here to download the slide deck.
Moving in the Right Direction: The Latest in CEDS Planning [Presentation Slide Deck]
The release of the CEDS Content Guidelines in 2015 ushered in a new era for planning, designing, and implementing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Through the Guidelines, the US Economic Development Administration has empowered regions to take local ownership of the CEDS process and think creatively about regional economic development. This interactive session at the 2019 NADO Annual Training Conference included presentations on the latest trends in CEDS planning to emerge over the past several years and small group conversations for participants to learn from each other about best practices and replicable approaches. Click the links to see presentations from the Region Nine Development Commission (MN), Centralina Council of Governments (NC), Southeast Conference (AK), U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the NADO Research Foundation.
CEDS 101 [Presentation Slide Deck]
This presentation demonstrates how data analysis leads to SMART goals, as well as how to develop an engagement process that involves multiple methods of public involvement such as surveys, interviews, and public workshops. Click here to download the slide deck.
Applying the Wealth Creation Framework to the CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
Rural wealth creation is an economic development framework focused on building regional assets to create multiple forms of wealth that is rooted locally. This framework, also known as WealthWorks, is growing in use by practitioners around the country and in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture and food systems, arts and tourism, energy, fishing, wood products, and transportation. In this learning lab, attendees learned how to use this asset-based, systems approach to rethink CEDS committee participation, conduct a SWOT, and develop strategies that build local wealth. Click here to download the slide deck.
Rethinking the CEDS and EDD’s Role in Economic Development [Presentation Slide Deck]
This presentation shows how to better revisit your value proposition (what are you offering your region beyond EDA grants?), review your CEDS (are there opportunities to align with other planning activities?), and rethink your impact (how are you measuring and communicating your results?). Click here to download the slide deck.
The SWOT Analysis
Strengthening the SWOT Analysis [Webinar Recording]
This webinar provides training on how to craft a more effective Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis and incorporate the findings into goal setting and performance metrics for the CEDS. Click here to access the webinar.
Using the SWOT to Plan for Resilience: A New Approach to a Classic Tool [Webinar Recording]
This webinar discusses how the SWOT can build resilience and sustainability in your region as well as introduces and provides tools for rethinking economic development and facilitating conversations in your communities. Click here to access the webinar.
Strengthening Your SWOT and Building Wealth [Presentation Slide Deck]
This workshop introduces the concept of wealth creation as an economic development strategy and presentes the wealth creation framework as a lens for completing a SWOT assessment of a region’s economy. Click here to download the slide deck.
This webinar provides training on how to craft a more effective Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis and incorporate the findings into goal setting and performance metrics for the CEDS. Click here to access the webinar.
Using the SWOT to Plan for Resilience: A New Approach to a Classic Tool [Webinar Recording]
This webinar discusses how the SWOT can build resilience and sustainability in your region as well as introduces and provides tools for rethinking economic development and facilitating conversations in your communities. Click here to access the webinar.
Strengthening Your SWOT and Building Wealth [Presentation Slide Deck]
This workshop introduces the concept of wealth creation as an economic development strategy and presentes the wealth creation framework as a lens for completing a SWOT assessment of a region’s economy. Click here to download the slide deck.
Data & Measurement
A Closer Look at Argonne National Laboratory’s NERDE and EDCI Tools [Webinar Recording]
This webinar demonstrated how the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI) tools can be utilized to support your CEDS and other regional planning efforts. Click here to access the recording.
Data Deep Dive Webinar Series [Webinar Recordings]
The NADO Research Foundation’s Data Deep Dive webinar series highlighted four organizations and their data tools and maps that can be easily accessed to collect, interpret, and share data to better prepare your CEDS and other regional plans. Each webinar features a live demonstration of the tools and Q & A. Click here to access the recordings.
Getting the Most Out of StatsAmerica to Enhance Your CEDS [Webinar Recording]
Since 2008, the goal of StatsAmerica has been to provide actionable data for economic developers and planners to use in site requests, developing metrics, grant writing, and strategic planning. StatsAmerica is a service of the Indiana University Business Research Center (IBRC) in the Kelley School of Business. This webinar featured overviews and demos of the various tools available from StatsAmerica to support your CEDS efforts, including the Measuring Distress Tool, Big Radius Tool, the Innovation Index 2.0, and the recently launched CEDS Resource Library. Click here to access the recording.
Measuring Your Progress: The Importance of Performance Measurements [Webinar Recording]
This webinar provides an approach to goal setting and building associated performance metrics and gives examples of districts that have incorporated strong, locally-driven goals and metrics into their CEDS. It highlights the importance of developing SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and well-crafted performance metrics. Click here to access the recording.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS [Webinar Recording]
This webinar from the NADO Research Foundation and the BlastPoint team explores how big companies think about data and how you can adapt these approaches to improve your organization’s planning and policy development work. This session covers concepts like indexing, segmentation, and forecasting, and shows how real examples from the world of marketing and analytics are within reach of anyone with the right tools. This session also includes a demo of BlastPoint’s features. Click here to access the recording.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
Accessing, interpreting, and incorporating the right data are some of the most important tasks in writing an effective and compelling CEDS. This learning lab highlights data tools and resources including StatsAmerica, BlastPoint, and the Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) that you can use to improve your CEDS and enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Click the corresponding links to see the presentation materials.
Better Planning Through Better Data: A Closer Look at the StatsAmerica Innovation Index 2.0 [Webinar Recording]
This webinar features a demonstration of the StatsAmerica Innovation Index 2.0, a free web resource that can give economic development practitioners and regional leaders the ability to assess their region’s economic strengths and challenges and also provide valuable data that can be utilized when writing a CEDS or other regional economic development plans. Click here to access the webinar.
This webinar demonstrated how the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI) tools can be utilized to support your CEDS and other regional planning efforts. Click here to access the recording.
Data Deep Dive Webinar Series [Webinar Recordings]
The NADO Research Foundation’s Data Deep Dive webinar series highlighted four organizations and their data tools and maps that can be easily accessed to collect, interpret, and share data to better prepare your CEDS and other regional plans. Each webinar features a live demonstration of the tools and Q & A. Click here to access the recordings.
Getting the Most Out of StatsAmerica to Enhance Your CEDS [Webinar Recording]
Since 2008, the goal of StatsAmerica has been to provide actionable data for economic developers and planners to use in site requests, developing metrics, grant writing, and strategic planning. StatsAmerica is a service of the Indiana University Business Research Center (IBRC) in the Kelley School of Business. This webinar featured overviews and demos of the various tools available from StatsAmerica to support your CEDS efforts, including the Measuring Distress Tool, Big Radius Tool, the Innovation Index 2.0, and the recently launched CEDS Resource Library. Click here to access the recording.
Measuring Your Progress: The Importance of Performance Measurements [Webinar Recording]
This webinar provides an approach to goal setting and building associated performance metrics and gives examples of districts that have incorporated strong, locally-driven goals and metrics into their CEDS. It highlights the importance of developing SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and well-crafted performance metrics. Click here to access the recording.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS [Webinar Recording]
This webinar from the NADO Research Foundation and the BlastPoint team explores how big companies think about data and how you can adapt these approaches to improve your organization’s planning and policy development work. This session covers concepts like indexing, segmentation, and forecasting, and shows how real examples from the world of marketing and analytics are within reach of anyone with the right tools. This session also includes a demo of BlastPoint’s features. Click here to access the recording.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS [Presentation Slide Deck]
Accessing, interpreting, and incorporating the right data are some of the most important tasks in writing an effective and compelling CEDS. This learning lab highlights data tools and resources including StatsAmerica, BlastPoint, and the Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) that you can use to improve your CEDS and enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Click the corresponding links to see the presentation materials.
Better Planning Through Better Data: A Closer Look at the StatsAmerica Innovation Index 2.0 [Webinar Recording]
This webinar features a demonstration of the StatsAmerica Innovation Index 2.0, a free web resource that can give economic development practitioners and regional leaders the ability to assess their region’s economic strengths and challenges and also provide valuable data that can be utilized when writing a CEDS or other regional economic development plans. Click here to access the webinar.
Plan Integration & Alignment
Planning More Efficiently and Effectively: Aligning the CEDS with Other Regional Plans [Webinar Recording]
This webinar focuses on aligning CEDS with other regional planning efforts including long-range transportation plans and other economic development plans to “connect the dots” and develop a robust CEDS that achieves multiple benefits for the region. Click here to access the recording.
Opportunities for Aligning the CEDS with other Planning Efforts [Presentation Slide Deck]
Increasingly, regions are looking for ways to integrate the CEDS with other planning efforts to maximize available funding for planning in their region, align objectives and strategies so that projects meet the same regional goals, and reduce planning fatigue among local leaders, stakeholder groups, and the public. This presentation provides examples from around the country of integrated planning efforts and shares key tips for aligning CEDS plans with transportation, hazard mitigation, and statewide plans. Click here to download the slide deck.
Aligning Transportation and Economic Development Plans and Measuring Progress [Presentation Slide Deck]
These presentations cover noteworthy practices for aligning CEDS planning efforts with transportation and sustainability plans. Topics include developing partnerships, managing service areas with different boundaries, and creating metrics for decision-making and reporting mechanisms. Click the links to see materials from the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (VT), and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
This webinar focuses on aligning CEDS with other regional planning efforts including long-range transportation plans and other economic development plans to “connect the dots” and develop a robust CEDS that achieves multiple benefits for the region. Click here to access the recording.
Opportunities for Aligning the CEDS with other Planning Efforts [Presentation Slide Deck]
Increasingly, regions are looking for ways to integrate the CEDS with other planning efforts to maximize available funding for planning in their region, align objectives and strategies so that projects meet the same regional goals, and reduce planning fatigue among local leaders, stakeholder groups, and the public. This presentation provides examples from around the country of integrated planning efforts and shares key tips for aligning CEDS plans with transportation, hazard mitigation, and statewide plans. Click here to download the slide deck.
Aligning Transportation and Economic Development Plans and Measuring Progress [Presentation Slide Deck]
These presentations cover noteworthy practices for aligning CEDS planning efforts with transportation and sustainability plans. Topics include developing partnerships, managing service areas with different boundaries, and creating metrics for decision-making and reporting mechanisms. Click the links to see materials from the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (VT), and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Design, Communications, and Partnerships
The Art of the Narrative: Creating CEDS and Other Plans that People Want to Read [Webinar]
This webinar shared tools and techniques that you can use to incorporate eye-catching and informative messaging, design, and imagery into your CEDS and other plans. During this recording, learn how to harness the power of storytelling and tap into compelling visuals to draw in readers with materials that make the CEDS come alive and speak to a variety of audiences. Click here to access the webinar.
Moving the CEDS Forward: Communication and Collaboration [Webinar Tutorial]
After your organization has put so much time and effort into developing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the last thing you want is for no one to know about it! This 20-minute webinar lecture features key strategies and best practices for communicating the value of the CEDS to funders and the public, as well as opportunities to nurture key partnerships to drive implementation and outreach efforts. Click here to access the recording.
CEDS Outreach and Communication Materials for EDDs [Document & Template]
These materials were created to assist in your outreach and communication efforts when explaining the CEDS process to stakeholders and funders. The first document is a one-page ready-made concise overview of what the CEDS is, how it can drive regional economic development, and key characteristics of an effective CEDS. The second document is a customizable template that organizations can edit to feature specific information relating to their own CEDS, including project examples, the planning and implementation timeline, and contact information for key staff members. Click here to access the templates.
Getting the Word Out About Your CEDS: Best Practices and Case Studies [Presentation slide deck]
How well is your organization communicating to its stakeholders about what the CEDS is and how it supports your region? This presentation provides best practices and examples from two EDDs of how to promote your CEDS and encourage buy-in to support implementation. Click here to access the slides.
EDDs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [Map and resource page]
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) invest strategically in institutions and individuals at the local level to actively pursue innovation and entrepreneurship that can help more Americans improve their connectivity to and productivity within the 21st century. To better encourage outreach and collaboration between Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and HBCUs, Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. created a map and accompanying table that easily cross-references every HBCU with the EDD that serves the region where it is located. Click here to access the map and accompanying resource page.
EDA and HBCUs: Cultivating Strategic Engagement for Regional Economic Development [Webinar series]
This webinar series was designed to provide the HBCU community with valuable information describing how HBCUs can effectively engage with EDA resources, including its network of regional partners to support the development of inclusive, innovative, and competitive regional economies. Each session includes presentations from federal staff, as well as case study examples from leaders at HBCUs describing local projects and initiatives. Click here to view the EDA regional office-specific webinars.
This webinar shared tools and techniques that you can use to incorporate eye-catching and informative messaging, design, and imagery into your CEDS and other plans. During this recording, learn how to harness the power of storytelling and tap into compelling visuals to draw in readers with materials that make the CEDS come alive and speak to a variety of audiences. Click here to access the webinar.
Moving the CEDS Forward: Communication and Collaboration [Webinar Tutorial]
After your organization has put so much time and effort into developing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the last thing you want is for no one to know about it! This 20-minute webinar lecture features key strategies and best practices for communicating the value of the CEDS to funders and the public, as well as opportunities to nurture key partnerships to drive implementation and outreach efforts. Click here to access the recording.
CEDS Outreach and Communication Materials for EDDs [Document & Template]
These materials were created to assist in your outreach and communication efforts when explaining the CEDS process to stakeholders and funders. The first document is a one-page ready-made concise overview of what the CEDS is, how it can drive regional economic development, and key characteristics of an effective CEDS. The second document is a customizable template that organizations can edit to feature specific information relating to their own CEDS, including project examples, the planning and implementation timeline, and contact information for key staff members. Click here to access the templates.
Getting the Word Out About Your CEDS: Best Practices and Case Studies [Presentation slide deck]
How well is your organization communicating to its stakeholders about what the CEDS is and how it supports your region? This presentation provides best practices and examples from two EDDs of how to promote your CEDS and encourage buy-in to support implementation. Click here to access the slides.
EDDs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [Map and resource page]
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) invest strategically in institutions and individuals at the local level to actively pursue innovation and entrepreneurship that can help more Americans improve their connectivity to and productivity within the 21st century. To better encourage outreach and collaboration between Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and HBCUs, Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. created a map and accompanying table that easily cross-references every HBCU with the EDD that serves the region where it is located. Click here to access the map and accompanying resource page.
EDA and HBCUs: Cultivating Strategic Engagement for Regional Economic Development [Webinar series]
This webinar series was designed to provide the HBCU community with valuable information describing how HBCUs can effectively engage with EDA resources, including its network of regional partners to support the development of inclusive, innovative, and competitive regional economies. Each session includes presentations from federal staff, as well as case study examples from leaders at HBCUs describing local projects and initiatives. Click here to view the EDA regional office-specific webinars.
Opportunity Zones
EDA CEDS Content Guidelines Update: Maximizing Opportunity Zones [Webinar Recording]
In January 2020, EDA updated its CEDS Content Guidelines to help communities across America maximize their ability to attract investment to Opportunity Zones. These new recommendations outline how communities can further promote the economic attractiveness of their region by emphasizing Opportunity Zones as key investment-ready locations. The inherently regional focus of the CEDS provides a unique platform to capture and promote the advantages of Opportunity Zone communities. This webinar recording describes what’s new in the CEDS Content Guidelines related to Opportunity Zones as well as provides a demonstration of the USA Opportunity Zones Tool. Click here to access the recording.
Using Opportunity Zones to Support Rural Wealth Creation [Case study]
In 2020, the Acadiana Planning Commission in Louisiana researched, wrote, and promoted seven prospectuses for rural and small communities across its region that highlight the multiple forms of wealth and assets that exist locally. More than 20 stakeholder meetings and focus groups were held – both in-person (prior to the pandemic) and virtually through Zoom – to conduct asset-mapping exercises, identify case studies and projects to highlight, and compile data. The result was the creation of highly accessible and visually-engaging prospectuses that APC Executive Director Monique Boulet calls “real marketing tools” for small communities to showcase their assets and amenities. Click here to read the case study and learn more.
Building Your Community’s Opportunity Zones Strategy [Presentation slide deck]
Created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones are a federal economic development tool aiming to improve the outcomes of distressed communities around the country. Many communities are in the process of or have developed an Opportunity Zones strategy complete with an Opportunity Zones Prospectus to market their zones to potential investors. This session from CDFA at the 2019 National CEDS Forum covered the various approaches for building an Opportunity Zones strategy such as creating an asset map and outreach plan that can drive investments into a community’s Opportunity Zones. Click here to access the slides.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (December 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 Southwest Region Economic Development Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Acadiana Planning Commission, South Plains Association of Governments, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (October 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 NADO Annual Training Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Milken Institute, the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (July 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 EDA Denver Regional Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Milken Institute, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the HUD Rocky Mountain Regional Office.
In January 2020, EDA updated its CEDS Content Guidelines to help communities across America maximize their ability to attract investment to Opportunity Zones. These new recommendations outline how communities can further promote the economic attractiveness of their region by emphasizing Opportunity Zones as key investment-ready locations. The inherently regional focus of the CEDS provides a unique platform to capture and promote the advantages of Opportunity Zone communities. This webinar recording describes what’s new in the CEDS Content Guidelines related to Opportunity Zones as well as provides a demonstration of the USA Opportunity Zones Tool. Click here to access the recording.
Using Opportunity Zones to Support Rural Wealth Creation [Case study]
In 2020, the Acadiana Planning Commission in Louisiana researched, wrote, and promoted seven prospectuses for rural and small communities across its region that highlight the multiple forms of wealth and assets that exist locally. More than 20 stakeholder meetings and focus groups were held – both in-person (prior to the pandemic) and virtually through Zoom – to conduct asset-mapping exercises, identify case studies and projects to highlight, and compile data. The result was the creation of highly accessible and visually-engaging prospectuses that APC Executive Director Monique Boulet calls “real marketing tools” for small communities to showcase their assets and amenities. Click here to read the case study and learn more.
Building Your Community’s Opportunity Zones Strategy [Presentation slide deck]
Created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones are a federal economic development tool aiming to improve the outcomes of distressed communities around the country. Many communities are in the process of or have developed an Opportunity Zones strategy complete with an Opportunity Zones Prospectus to market their zones to potential investors. This session from CDFA at the 2019 National CEDS Forum covered the various approaches for building an Opportunity Zones strategy such as creating an asset map and outreach plan that can drive investments into a community’s Opportunity Zones. Click here to access the slides.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (December 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 Southwest Region Economic Development Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Acadiana Planning Commission, South Plains Association of Governments, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (October 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 NADO Annual Training Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Milken Institute, the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Getting the Most Out of Opportunity Zones (July 2019) [Presentation slide deck]
This session at the 2019 EDA Denver Regional Conference shared the latest updates and trends for leveraging OZs to best position regions to benefit from this incentive and support regional economic development. Click the links to access slides from the Milken Institute, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the HUD Rocky Mountain Regional Office.