This document discusses how state agencies and Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can collaborate through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process. It provides examples of states leveraging regional CEDS plans to inform statewide goals and programs. States can support regional CEDS planning by providing data, information, and resources. Statewide associations of EDDs are well-positioned to lead statewide CEDS/planning efforts in collaboration with states. EDDs should be key partners in developing and implementing statewide CEDS plans, even if not led by EDDs.

2. EDDs and States: Collaborating
for Success
2022 NADO Annual Training Conference
Monday, October 17
Mereb Hagos

3. How Can Sate Agencies and EDDs Collaborate Through
the CEDS Process?
1. States can leverage the findings and goals identified in regional CEDS plans to
inform statewide goals and programs
2. States can support regional CEDS planning by providing information, data,
and other resources
3. Statewide Associations of EDDs are well-positioned to lead a Statewide
CEDS/statewide planning effort in collaboration with the state and other key
stakeholders
4. In states where the Statewide CEDS process is not being led by EDDs, EDDs
should still be key partners in plan development and implementation

4. Leveraging CEDS plans to Inform Statewide Goals and
Programs
Wisconsin
• State agencies and offices in Wisconsin, including the newly-formed Office of Rural
Prosperity, look to the work and expertise of the regional planning commissions and
EDDs
• Generally, the state align their goals and approaches with those that have emerged in
the regional CEDS
• Incorporating the goals and strategies from regional CEDS into larger statewide efforts
enables the state to be more responsive to the on-the-ground needs of residents and
businesses

5. Providing Data and Resources to Support Regional
CEDS Planning
Vermont
• West Central Vermont is currently developing its CEDS plan, an effort involving five
counties home to 91 municipalities that are coming together to write a CEDS with the
possibility of eventually forming a new Economic Development District
• Staff at the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) have
assisted EDDs with developing an economic profile for the region by supplying valuable
statewide and regional data
• ACCD also provided the CEDS Steering Committee with timely information about COVID-
19 economic impacts in Vermont and in the region

6. State Associations of EDDs
• EDDs have the institutional knowledge, expertise, and capacity to prepare a
Statewide CEDS through their statewide association network
• Statewide associations of EDDs have a diverse range of missions, programs,
budgets, and organizational structures
• Given the resources and time, these entities can lead a Statewide
CEDS/statewide planning effort with the support of key partners, including
state agencies

7. State Associations of EDDs
Minnesota Association of Development Associations
• Statewide organization that unites the 10 regional development organizations and
EDDs in the state
• Developed a Statewide CEDS plan, DevelopMN, to better align goals and leverage
resources across these organizations
• DevelopMN was funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development (DEED) and through philanthropic support
• Partnered with the University of Minnesota Extension to delivered key information and
quantitative data
• The final plan identifies four cornerstones: Human Capital; Economic Competitiveness;
Community Resources; and Foundational Assets.

8. Statewide CEDS
Alaska
• Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development contracted with
the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development to lead the 2022-2027
Statewide CEDS
• The state involved EDDs and other regional organizations as an integral part of the
public outreach and engagement efforts
• As the plan moves towards the adoption and implementation phases, it will be
advantageous for EDDs to be at the forefront of leveraging local resources, knowledge,
and partnerships to support the state in achieving the plan’s goals and strategies