The CEDS is an important opportunity to engage with the U.S. Economic Development Administration and other federal partners to access planning, infrastructure, and technical assistance grants. However, the CEDS 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 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, an economic resilience page available here, and best practices page here.
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, an economic resilience page available here, and best practices page 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 (AK) 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. Click here to view the webinar.
How to Build the CEDS Strategy Committee [Brief]
CEDS Strategy Committee members are integral partners to EDDs in driving regional economic growth. This brief highlights best practices and tips for building a strong CEDS Strategy Committee and helps EDDs identify regional stakeholders that have the political will, funding capacity, and expertise to encourage smart economic development through the CEDS planning process. Click here to download the brief.
The State of the EDDs and CEDS Content Guidelines Updates [Webinar Recording]
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration designated its 400th Economic Development District (EDD) and also released updates to its CEDS Content Guidelines. This webinar briefing provides a reflection on the state of the national network of EDDs and information about the updated CEDS Content Guidelines that highlight equity, climate resilience, and workforce development. Click here for the webinar recording and here for presentation slides (PDF).
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.
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.
National CEDS Forum (2019) [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
During this webinar, staff from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, NADO Research Foundation, and Southeast Conference (AK) 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. Click here to view the webinar.
How to Build the CEDS Strategy Committee [Brief]
CEDS Strategy Committee members are integral partners to EDDs in driving regional economic growth. This brief highlights best practices and tips for building a strong CEDS Strategy Committee and helps EDDs identify regional stakeholders that have the political will, funding capacity, and expertise to encourage smart economic development through the CEDS planning process. Click here to download the brief.
The State of the EDDs and CEDS Content Guidelines Updates [Webinar Recording]
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration designated its 400th Economic Development District (EDD) and also released updates to its CEDS Content Guidelines. This webinar briefing provides a reflection on the state of the national network of EDDs and information about the updated CEDS Content Guidelines that highlight equity, climate resilience, and workforce development. Click here for the webinar recording and here for presentation slides (PDF).
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.
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.
National CEDS Forum (2019) [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
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 recording.
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 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 recording.
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 recording.
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 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.
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 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.
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
Incorporating Workforce Development and Upskilling into the CEDS [Video Tutorial and Brief]
Effective CEDS should emphasize the identification, enrichment, and strategic deployment of workforce assets, focusing on job quality and inclusion. By demonstrating an ability to meet evolving workforce needs through data-supported arguments and targeted upskilling strategies, regions can attract and grow businesses and support workers, all while building regional wealth and fostering economic resilience and equity. Click here to view the 15-minute video tutorial and accompanying brief.
Integrating CEDS and Hazard Mitigation Planning
Integrating CEDS and hazard mitigation plans can ease plan “silo-ing” between EDD departments, make identified strategies easier to implement, reduce uncertainty around economic downturns, and, most importantly, make your region more resilient and responsive to hazardous events. Learn basic practices and more from our webinar recording, tip sheet, and tips from a planner resources.
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.
Effective CEDS should emphasize the identification, enrichment, and strategic deployment of workforce assets, focusing on job quality and inclusion. By demonstrating an ability to meet evolving workforce needs through data-supported arguments and targeted upskilling strategies, regions can attract and grow businesses and support workers, all while building regional wealth and fostering economic resilience and equity. Click here to view the 15-minute video tutorial and accompanying brief.
Integrating CEDS and Hazard Mitigation Planning
Integrating CEDS and hazard mitigation plans can ease plan “silo-ing” between EDD departments, make identified strategies easier to implement, reduce uncertainty around economic downturns, and, most importantly, make your region more resilient and responsive to hazardous events. Learn basic practices and more from our webinar recording, tip sheet, and tips from a planner resources.
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.
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.
Tribal 101 Engagement for Economic Development Districts [Brief]
This publication provides an introductory overview of tribal engagement strategies for staff at Economic Development Districts (EDDs). EDDs and Tribal Nations frequently have shared interests and the opportunity to partner on projects that deliver economic development to their overlapping communities. Many EDDs have existing relationships with nearby Tribal Nations, up to and including ongoing representation on EDD boards and committees. In others, relationships are more limited or have lapsed over time. Click here to access the brief.
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.
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.
Tribal 101 Engagement for Economic Development Districts [Brief]
This publication provides an introductory overview of tribal engagement strategies for staff at Economic Development Districts (EDDs). EDDs and Tribal Nations frequently have shared interests and the opportunity to partner on projects that deliver economic development to their overlapping communities. Many EDDs have existing relationships with nearby Tribal Nations, up to and including ongoing representation on EDD boards and committees. In others, relationships are more limited or have lapsed over time. Click here to access the brief.
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.
An Afternoon with the CEDS / EDDs Workshops
2024 An Afternoon with the Districts [Presentation Slide Decks]
This event in March 2024 brought together nearly 80 participants representing EDDs, federal partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to incorporate data and metrics into the CEDS and other regional planning efforts. Click here to learn more and download the presentation slides.
2023 An Afternoon with the Districts [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2022 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2019 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2018 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
This event in March 2024 brought together nearly 80 participants representing EDDs, federal partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to incorporate data and metrics into the CEDS and other regional planning efforts. Click here to learn more and download the presentation slides.
2023 An Afternoon with the Districts [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2022 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2019 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.
2018 An Afternoon with the CEDS [Presentation Slide Decks]
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.