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Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an economic development planning process and document that helps a region identify its economic strengths and weaknesses. The process brings together local governments, and other local organizations in order to spur economic development and create good jobs. A robust CEDS empowers local communities to pursue state and federal funding opportunities. That is because The U.S Economic Development Administration (EDA) looks to a region’s CEDS when deciding on strategic investments, granting funding, and identifying local private sector partners.
2025 CEDS Process
MRCOG is currently working on the 2025 CEDS. We want as much input as possible from local residents, businesses and organizations.
Open Houses, Focus Groups, and Survey
As part of the CEDS planning process, MRCOG held a series of focus group discussions with local governments, tribal governments, workforce development specialists and industry leaders to help define the region’s economic priorities and shape the CEDS work program. We also hosted four in-person Open Houses throughout the region, as well as a Virtual Open House for those unable to attend in person.
In addition to these meetings, we also gathered input about people's views on job opportunities, infrastructure, population growth, and more via an on-line survey. The survey closed on November 14th.
Look for the release of the final 2025 CEDS document around January 1, 2026!
CEDS Presentation
CEDS Informational Boards
Current CEDS: 2020
The current, 2020 CEDS included the voices of nearly 200 diverse stakeholders from rural and urban communities, public and private sectors, and multiple industry sectors in the region. The five-year plan highlights key focus areas (see links on left-hand side and icons below) that will move the region towards a more resilient economy.