The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document, which identifies regional strengths and weaknesses and promotes collaboration among a diverse set of partners to generate regional prosperity and resiliency. A robust and inclusive CEDS planning process can help a region maximize its economic development potential by promoting cooperative and innovative solutions to achieving regional goals and objectives. The CEDS Plan inspires local community leaders to partner with economic development organizations, funding agencies, and the private sector on infrastructure and other projects to create jobs and stimulate investment.
In 1978, NEFCO was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) for Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties. Preparation and maintenance of the CEDS maintains NEFCO’s status as an EDA-designated EDD and the region’s eligibility for EDA grant funding.