West Central Initiative recently created a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, for the Region IV Economic Development District of Minnesota as part of its contract with the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Municipalities and organizations use the five-year strategy to attract public and private investment to grow and strengthen their communities. A draft of the 2022-2026 CEDS now is available for public comment.
The Region IV Economic Development District includes Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties.
"Although our region is required to update its CEDS at least every five years, we also see it as an opportunity to inform the EDA of the investments we need,” said Jill Amundson, West Central Initiative Innovation Strategist. “To qualify for EDA assistance under its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, a project must be in the CEDS plan.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Public engagement is important to the process, Amundson added.
To draft the 2022-2026 CEDS, West Central Initiative sought a wide diversity of thought, experiences, backgrounds, and expertise. The organization engaged the public through a regional survey and nine topic-specific focus groups. Now the organization is asking the public to review and comment on an initial draft of the CEDS posted on its website, wcif.org , by June 30.
West Central Initiative will incorporate the public feedback then share an updated draft with the region's Economic Development District Board. The board will have final approval of the document before West Central Initiative submits it to the EDA.
“We’ve implemented a robust public engagement process to ensure everyone can contribute to the CEDS — and take an active role in implementing key strategies,” said Amundson. “Public input is vital as we strategize how and where federal dollars could best spur economic growth.”
Learn more about the process, view a draft of the 2022-2026 CEDS, and watch a focus group summary videos at www.wcif.org/ceds/2021.html. To request a printed copy of the 2022-2026 CEDS, call 1-800-735-2239, ext. 106. Printed copies also will be available at the region’s public libraries.
According to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the CEDS contributes to effective economic development in America’s communities and regions through a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process. 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.
About West Central Initiative
West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin and the portion of White Earth Nation in Becker County. West Central Initiative invests resources in its communities for regional success, using the tools of economic development and community development and by promoting philanthropy. Learn more at wcif.org .
