CEDS
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
A CEDS is a plan that outlines a region's economic development needs and goals. It emerges from a continuous planning process developed with a broad based and diverse community participation that addresses the economic potential of an area. The strategy should promote sustainable economic development and opportunity, foster effective transportation systems, enhance and protect the environment and balance resources through sound management of development.
A CEDS is the result of a local planning process designed to guide the economic growth of a region. REDC has been the keeper of the region's CEDS since 2000. As a result of its diligent planning, REDC achieved designation as the first Economic Development District (EDD) in Southern New Hampshire. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) bestowed the EDD designation on REDC in 2003. As part of the EDD designation, REDC is awarded funding to continue the important task of planning for our region's economic growth, to include annually updating the region's CEDS.
2016 CEDS REPORT
2015 CEDS REPORT
2014 CEDS REPORT
2013 CEDS REPORT
CEDS PRIORITY PROJECTS
Part of the annual CEDS process includes the development of a Priority Project List for the REDC region. Priority Projects are local or regional development projects and/or studies that meet one or more of the CEDS Regional Goals. Priority Projects must meet one or more of the CEDS Regional Goals. Submitting a project for inclusion on the CEDS Priority Project List is the first step in identifying potential funding opportunities under the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). While not all projects meet subsequent requirements for funding under EDA guidelines, the inclusion of projects on the Priority Project List for the region may have a positive effect for a project's possible funding under other federally funded grant sources, such as USDA/Rural Development, HUD and DOL. In addition, a project MUST be on the list to be considered for certain EDA grant opportunities. EDA-funded eligible projects include any public infrastructure or construction project that will ultimately lead to the creation of new private industry jobs.
For more information or to review the projects currently on the Priority Project List, please check out the 2021 CEDS publication.
It is that time of year when REDC reviews and updates the CEDS for the region. New Project submittals are due March 11th. Please reach out with questions and/or submit forms to Jennifer Kimball at jennifer@redc.com.
EDA Grant Funding Opportunities
The Philadelphia Region of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) offers several grants through the following funding opportunities:
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The American Rescue Plan Act
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Economic Adjustment Assistance
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Public Works
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CARES Act Funding
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Disaster Declarations
Each Funding Opportunity has a unique set of qualification and submittal requirements.
Unsure if a project would qualify? REDC works with municipalities and qualified applicants to screen projects and determine if a project is EDA eligible through dialogue with our EDA representative. If a project is eligible, REDC can assist in the application process; fees are project specific.
The first step is to complete the preliminary screening worksheet and then email it to Jen Kimball at Jennifer@redc.com to set up a time to review your project.
