What is a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)?
As its name implies, a CEDS lays out a regional strategy for economic development with the ultimate goal being a stronger, more diverse regional economy. While the CEDS’ most critical function is to provide a regional economic development framework, it also serves as a required vehicle through which some federal agencies (especially the Economic Development Administration) evaluate requests for grant assistance. Without having a CEDS approved by the EDA no one in the region is eligible to receive Economic Development Assistance Grants, including the Stimulus Funds for economic development. Having a CEDS in place has become more important than ever. The Rockford Region is finalizing its CEDS document and will have it submitted by the end of 2009. To view the 2010-2015 Rockford Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, click here. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is a Federal agency that provides grants to economically-distressed communities to generate new employm
