What is a CEDS?
The Economic Development Administration, a bureau of the US Department of Commerce, promotes competitiveness in regions by promoting programs which enhance the economic vitality of towns & cities. They support initiatives such as the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to encourage intergovernmental and public/private sector collaboration.
The LOSRC Board adopted the previous CEDS on September 26, 2007; “Regional Coordination” among local governments and other partners was the overarching theme of the CEDS. The September 28, 2011 Revised CEDS can be viewed here.
The CEDS contains five “Tier 1” strategic initiatives which were identified as the highest priority projects that emerged from the Strategy Committee’s issue ranking process. They are:
- Strategic Initiative 1: Regional Growth Management Planning
- Strategic Initiative 2: Transportation and Air Quality
- Strategic Initiative 3: Housing
- Strategic Initiative 4: Regional Brownfields Initiative (RBI)
- Strategic Initiative 5: Clean Energy Planning and Entrepreneurship
Brightfield’s Solar Charging Station at LOSRC Burton Street Agricultural Fair
BurntShirt Forestry Project Solar Hot Water at Annie’s Naturally Bakery
Conover Station Brownfields Project Broad River Terrace Apartments
How will we use our CEDS?
Through the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of our region, we can identify opportunities to advance economic vitality and encourage the development of new strategies through public and private partnerships. The CEDS will be used as a “roadmap” to the future, promoting self-sustainability, and focusing on areas of significance to our imminent growth.
When Does This Happen?
Our CEDS is due to EDA in September, 2012. Click here to view the 2013-2017 CEDS.
Our Region B CEDS will then serve as the foundation to create the NC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This strategy can serve as a statewide blueprint for creating an economically sustainable economy for North Carolina.