CEDS guidelines from EDA 2007

Note: This document provides a synopsis of the requirements for comprehensive economic development strategies. For further information, interested parties are
directed to section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3162) and EDA's regulations at 13 C.F.R. part 303. The
document is intended to serve as a convenient source for requirements relating to the CEDS. Nothing in this document is intended to supersede or otherwise
modify EDA's statute, regulations, policies or procedures.
Introduction:

A comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an
economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies.

The CEDS should analyze the regional economy and serve as a guide for
establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investment priorities and funding
sources. A CEDS integrates a region's human and physical capital planning in the service of economic development. Integrated economic development
planning provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize the region's unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity
for its residents by attracting the private investment that creates jobs for the region's residents. A CEDS must be the result of a continuing economic
development planning process developed with broad-based and diverse public and private sector participation, and must set forth the goals and
objectives necessary to solve the economic development problems of the region and clearly define the metrics of success. Finally, a CEDS provides a
useful benchmark by which a regional economy can evaluate opportunities with other regions in the national economy.
Who should develop a CEDS? A Planning Organization seeking to formulate and implement a regional economic development program will benefit
from developing a CEDS. Successful economic development efforts are based on CEDS that provide an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen
regional economies. The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (PWEDA), requires a CEDS in order to apply for
investment assistance under EDA's Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. At EDA's discretion, EDA may accept CEDS that it has
funded or CEDS prepared independently of EDA investment assistance or oversight.
The following sections set out below on "Planning Organizations" and "Strategy Committees" cover the requirements for EDA-funded CEDS, while the
remainder of this document pertains to technical requirements for CEDS. It should be noted that in determining the acceptability of a CEDS prepared
independently of EDA investment assistance or oversight for projects under 13 C.F.R. parts 305 or 307, EDA may in its discretion determine that the
CEDS is acceptable without it fulfilling every requirement set out in 13 C.F.R. § 303.7. In doing so, EDA shall consider the circumstances surrounding the
application for investment assistance, including emergencies or natural disasters, and the fulfillment of the requirements of Section 302 of PWEDA.
A. EDA-funded CEDS
Pursuant to 13 C.F.R. § 303.6, if EDA awards Investment Assistance to a Planning Organization to develop, revise, or replace a CEDS, the Planning
Organization must follow the procedures set forth in paragraphs A.1 and A.2.
1. Planning Organization: A Planning Organization (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 303.2), typically an Economic Development District (EDD) or Indian
Tribe, may be eligible for EDA planning investment assistance. The purpose of such assistance is to develop a CEDS for a specific EDA-approved
region. The Planning Organization is responsible for:
• Appointing a Strategy Committee (CEDS Committee);
• Developing and submitting to EDA a CEDS that complies with 13 C.F.R. § 303.7;
• Making a new or revised CEDS available for review and comment by the public for a period of at least thirty (30) days prior to submission of the
CEDS to EDA;
• Obtaining approval of the CEDS from EDA;
• After obtaining approval of the CEDS, submitting to EDA an updated CEDS performance report annually. The performance report, in
addition to reporting progress on CEDS implementation, should also discuss community and private sector participation in the CEDS effort. Any
performance report that results in a change in the technical components of the EDA-approved CEDS must be available for review and comment
by the public for a period of at least thirty (30) days prior to submission of the performance report to EDA;
• Submitting a copy of the CEDS to any Regional Commission if any part of the EDA-approved EDD region is covered by that Commission;
• Submitting a new CEDS to EDA at least every five (5) years, unless EDA or the Planning Organization determines that a new CEDS is required