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Final CEDS Summary & Report posted.

What is a CEDS?

A CEDS is a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy resulting from a participatory planning process designed to guide economic growth of an area. A CEDS process will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions. It provides a mechanism for coordination among individuals, organizations, local governments, private industry, and other stakeholders concerned with economic development. The CEDS plan must be the result of a continuing economic development planning process, developed with broad-based and diverse community participation.

Why does the State of Delaware need a CEDS?

A CEDS will foster federal, state, local and community partnerships to address Delaware's economic development. A CEDS is required to qualify for Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance and serves as a prerequisite for economic development district designation by the federal organization. EDA's policy is to direct its investments on strategies resulting from locally-controlled participatory planning processes established to develop and maintain long-term economic development plans.

How does EDA determine area eligibility?

Areas considered by EDA to be distressed may qualify to develop a CEDS. To receive EDA assistance, a region must be distressed based on specific criteria including unemployment, underemployment, per capita income, and special conditions impacting the economy of a region.

How is a CEDS Developed?

The Delaware CEDS will be the product of a participatory planning process designed to guide economic growth statewide including distressed areas. The key to a good strategy is an ongoing, participatory planning process. Therefore, it is essential to establish working committees consisting of enthusiastic, dedicated citizen volunteers, who represent diverse interests, perspectives and backgrounds. Committees representing New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties will be formed and provide recommendations to a statewide CEDS committee. DEDO, working with the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA) will oversee the process and provide staff support to each of the working committees.

What does the planning effort involve?

It is anticipated that the development of the CEDS will take approximately one year. EDA has established inclusive CEDS guidelines to direct the process. The four main elements of the CEDS are: analysis, vision, action plan, and evaluation. At the conclusion of the process, a CEDS document will serve as a strategic plan for the state's economic development activities. Within this document, a list of projects will be proposed that meet EDA investment policy guidelines.

For more information about the Delaware CEDS project, please contact:

Karley Sessoms
Delaware Economic Development Office
99 Kings HighwayDover, DE  19901

Direct:  (302) 672-6811
Mobile:  (302) 233-1833
Fax:  (302) 739-2535

Karley.Sessoms@state.de.us

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