Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The West Piedmont Planning District was designated as an Economic Development District by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), in 1992. This designation represents a partnership among the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, its member local governments, and the EDA and assists with establishing regional priorities for projects and investments through the annual development of a Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Since the original Public Works and Economic Development Act was enacted in 1965, economic development planning has been a key element in achieving EDA’s long-range goals. The WPPDC CEDS was adopted in March 2022 and can be accessed below.
Through the PDC’s Economic Development District program, the Commission staff works closely with its member jurisdictions and economic development organizations providing grant writing and administration as well as additional technical assistance as requested. Other economic development-related activities of the Commission include coordination of the West Piedmont Information Center, which provides economic data for the region, and coordination of the West Piedmont Geographic Information System (GIS) program. Throughout the Region, economic development is multi-faceted and includes a versatile mix of building blocks, each with their own unique characteristic and attributes. As in many towns and cities across the U.S., manufacturing, small businesses, workforce development and education, revitalization, and tourism form these building blocks and are at the forefront of most any economy. However, in our deep-rooted history, agriculture and forestry also play a very important part in our economic vitality.
