Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

2021 - 2026 CEDS

Our 2021 – 2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) has been approved by the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

CEDS FINAL with Appendix F

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) contributes to effective economic development in our communities and regions through a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process.  Economic development planning – as implemented through the CEDS – is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) programs, but successfully serves to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration.  The CEDS provides the capacity-building foundation by which the public sector, working in conjunction with other economic actors (individuals, firms, industries), creates the environment for regional economic prosperity.

Simply put, a CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development.  A CEDS is the result of a regionally owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of the region.   It is a key component in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by helping to build regional capacity (through hard and soft infrastructure) that contributes to individual, firm, and community success. The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.  The CEDS considers other regional planning efforts, including the use of other available federal funds, private sector resources, and state support which can advance our region’s CEDS goals and objectives.  Regions must update their CEDS at least every five years to qualify for EDA assistance under its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs.  In addition, a CEDS is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an Economic Development District (EDD).

The Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD)