Frequently Asked Questions
What is CEDS?
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Why Do We Do A CEDS?
By completing this plan, the region is eligible for economic development assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Land-of-Sky Regional Council is an Economic Development District (EDD) under the EDA, and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a requirement from the EDA Reform Act of 1998. Economic development assistance investments from EDA can help fund local infrastructure projects, technology-led economic development projects, and strategies to respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (major lay-offs, plant closures).
Can’t Each Local Government Create a CEDS?
Maintaining one regional CEDS eliminates the need for each local government to prepare its own CEDS in order to remain eligible for EDA funding. Additionally, by being part of an EDD, local governments receive a 10% “district” bonus on EDA projects funded in their jurisdiction.
How is it funded?
U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) is primary funder ($80,000 over three years). It provided the funds to the Council to prepare a CEDS that also could be used as a model for other EDDs around the nation.
How does the CEDS relate to county plans and county or municipal-level visioning projects?
This plan is a regional, strategic plan that has focused on strategies that are best addressed regionally due to the regional nature of certain issues and the cost effectiveness of regional strategies. This CEDS is not intended to be a compilation of all local planning efforts, however some strategies of it may work to address local issues from a more regional perspective.
What actions must local governments take regarding the CEDS?
Local governments have been identified as potential partners for implementing some elements of the action plan, but are not required to fund any portion of CEDS strategies.
How Does the Region B CEDS fit into the NC Tomorrow Initiative?
When these strategies are completed, the N.C. Association of Regional Councils will begin the process of consolidating the regional strategies into one state-wide strategy aimed at spurring economic development and job growth throughout the state.
How Can I Participate in the Region B CEDS Process?
Participate in our Public Meetings
Throughout the CEDS development process, we will be holding public meetings to solicit input on the drafts. If you would like to participate, check the meeting dates on this website or contact staff for dates and time.
Review Our 2013-2017 CEDS
To review and comment, click here.
Take Our CEDS Survey
Each Region will be issuing a survey created by the N.C. Association of Regional Councils as part of the statewide CEDS process. This process will help us gain a better understanding of issues the public see as important to our Region. When complete, we will post the survey results on this website.