Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Michigan is the result of a local planning process designed to guide the economic growth of the region. The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments is designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA) to lead the CEDS process on behalf of the region. Completion of the CEDS process allows local governments and nonprofits within the region to qualify for EDA assistance.
The CEDS is a planning process that takes place throughout the year (starting in July and ending in June the following year) in conjunction with broad based and diverse community participation from public and private sectors. The planning activities culminate in an annual strategy document that is finalized in June. The strategy document contains regional economic analysis, goals and objectives for regional prosperity, and a plan of action, including a list of economic development projects to implement the goals and objectives.
The CEDS process is required for entities in the region to qualify for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs. The CEDS is also an excellent resource to facilitate coordination and to assess the many economic development activities in the ten-county region.
As the EDA-designated body for the region, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments also acts as a liaison to local governments, nonprofits, and the EDA. For more information about EDA assistance, please contact Matt McCauley at: mccauley@nwm.cog.mi.us or 231-929-5000.
View/download/print 2012 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Economic Development Projects
Annually, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments submits a project listing to the US Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
Projects must be listed in the region's CEDS to qualify for EDA funding in the coming year. Having your project listed in the CEDS does not constitute an application or assurance of funding, but it is a pre-requisite for consideration of funding.
If you represent a unit of local government or a private or public nonprofit and have a planned economic development project, please follow the link to the:
Economic Development Project Submission form. Projects may be submitted at any time throughout the year.
The EDA also requires the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to annually collect information about economic development projects that have been completed. If you have completed an economic development project in the previous year, please follow the link to the:
