In today’s competitive global market, it is necessary for regions to have a long-term economic development strategy that can serve as a roadmap to progress and prosperity. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) does just that.
The CEDS is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages community leaders, private sector partners, and other stakeholders in planning for our region’s future.
The CEDS planning process creates the space for the regi
on to identify its strengths and weaknesses and brings together a diverse set of partners to create good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth. The CEDS is a pre-requisite for federal designation as an Economic Development District (EDD) and must be updated at least every five years. An effective CEDS allows a region to maximize its economic development potential, as well as engage with the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal partners to receive infrastructure and technical assistance grants, such as EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs.
Overall, an effective CEDS planning process identifies locally-grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in our region.
The CEDS At a Glance:
- The CEDS helps to build on the strengths of our region, as well as identify gaps in resources or expertise that need to be addressed
- The CEDS planning process can facilitate regional collaboration, expand supply chains, and grow and support new industry clusters
- With a CEDS in place, regions are more likely to attract federal funds and technical assistance by demonstrating resources are used efficiently and effectively
- The CEDS process can make our region more resilient and better positioned to plan for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and economic shocks
- The CEDS can be much more than just a static document, but rather an engaging platform that generates region-wide discussions and serves as a call to action for economic development
REGIONAL COVID-19 RECOVERY PLANNING
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
In the winter and spring of 2021, NEOEDD met with over 70 stakeholders who provided input on key needs, partnerships, challenges, strengths, and opportunities as part of NEOEDD’s effort to understand the unique and shared economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Baker, Union, Wallowa county region. The stakeholders identified the following key needs which are further defined in the Community Needs Assessment document.
| Themes | Key Needs |
| Social Capital | Continue to increase communications and collaboration |
| Continue to explore equitable methods to make resources more accessible and combat structural inequity/inequality
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| Health, Food, & Social Services | Continue to explore innovative solutions to provide affordable, inclusive mental and physical health care |
| Continue to explore innovative solutions to increase access to healthy food options
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| Education & Childcare | Continue to work with partners to make childcare options more equitable for families and profitable for providers |
| Continue to find innovative ways to improve and expand career pathway and skill development options
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| Built & Natural Environments | Continue to explore innovative ways to increase attainable housing options |
| Continue to develop for a more resilient future
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| Economic Development | Continue to explore business retention solutions and provide more workforce development options for current and future workforce |
| Continue to support resilient local businesses and strong diversified economies | |
NEOEDD will be meeting with stakeholders to develop a COVID-19 Recovery Plan throughout the remainder of 2021. If you are interested in participating in the planning and implementation process, please contact us.