The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and is seeking input from residents, businesses, and community partners through a public survey.
A CEDS is a unified, regionally focused action plan that provides a framework for an area’s economic growth and community development. It serves as an economic blueprint for the region and establishes a process that will help create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions.
“Updating the CEDS is a critical opportunity to guide the future of our region,” said Michael Armbrister, Executive Director of the WPPDC. “This plan not only sets our shared vision and priorities, but also serves as a vital tool when competing for grant opportunities that can bring new resources and investments to our communities.”
The WPPDC was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 1992, which requires an update to the CEDS every 5 years to qualify for EDA assistance and EDD designation. The last CEDS update for the West Piedmont region was for 2022 – 2026.
The CEDS, as described by the EDA, 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.
“Community input is essential to creating a strategy that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our region,” said Kiana Dillard, Economic Development Specialist for the WPPDC, who is leading the plan update. “We strongly encourage everyone to participate in the survey and help us move Southern Virginia forward. The survey is now open and available on the PDC’s website www.westpiedmontpdc.org.”
WPPDC hosted a working committee group on June 6th which convened regional leaders in the industries of healthcare, education, transportation, economic development, government, and nonprofit organizations. This meeting was the kickoff for the CEDS update planning process, during which the group discussed goals and timelines, as well as regional strengths, challenges, opportunities, and trends.
The CEDS planning process is expected to conclude in early 2027, with the final plan slated for adoption in the spring.