A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an economic development plan supported by the US Economic Development Administration for the purpose of providing guidance for future public investment to build regional economic development.
In Vermont, the Regional Development Corporations partnered with the Regional Planning Commissions and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to engage stakeholders and craft their CEDS. In each case, the CEDS describes current economic conditions and highlights regional opportunities and threats for future economic development. This analysis and stakeholder input serves as the basis for the identification of priorities that help in directing public funds for future investment.
Northern Region CEDS (Grand Isle, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans, Caledonia, Essex Counties)
East Central CEDS (Windsor and most of Orange counties)
West Central CEDS (Rutland, Addison, Chittenden and Washington counties with three additional towns from Orange County)
(Prior to the recent completion of the CEDS for West Central Vermont, Chittenden County had developed its CEDS as a part of its ECOS planning process)
Southern Region CEDS (Bennington and Windham Counties)
Before all regions of the State completed their CEDS, the State of Vermont completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: