As part of its planning processes, NOACA engaged governmental entities, stakeholders, and the public, including the business and non-profit communities, through its Business, Community, and Rural Advisory Councils, among others, to develop its portfolio of services for the Region. Developing the region’s first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), published in spring 2023, was the natural next step to meet the NOACA Vision Statement to “SUPPORT economic development.”

According to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. A CEDS is the result of a regionally-owned planning process designed to build capacity, and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity-building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.

NOACA Region Receives CEDS Approval

The development of the CEDS was a year-long process that involved phases, such as an extensive Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis, and strategy development. A Steering Committee and Working Group, made up of more than 17 local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations across the region, was integral to the publication.

• In the spring of 2023, the EDA approved the CEDS, allowing the region to officially apply for EDA funding, as long as projects fit within EDA’s project eligibility, including the project:           
• Must be aligned with the region’s CEDS;                                                                   
• Must include a distressed community (included in project area);                               
• Must align with one of EDA’s investment priorities; and                                               
• Must meet all requirements in the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO).

Economic Development District Designation

With the approval of the CEDS and the establishment of the Economic Development Subcommittee, NOACA officially applied for economic development district (EDD) status in 2024. As an EDD, NOACA will efficiently guide the CEDS implementation and maintenance process, economic prosperity, and resiliency of the region. More information about the designation and status will be posted as updates become available. Read the CEDS Strategy 2023-2028 in its entirety. Click here for an interactive story map of the CEDS.

Read the CEDS Strategy 2023-2028 in its entirety. Click here for an interactive story map of the CEDS.