Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a regional planning process that results in a five-year strategic plan for regional economic development that is updated annually. EMDC's four county area in Eastern Maine is a federally designated Economic Development district and is mandated to submit a CEDS to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in order to receive funding for economic development projects. This annual report is designed to be a short document and readily accessible to the public and decision makers to use to keep track of the CEDS and its implementation. This report is designed to:

•Adjust the strategy as needed
•Report on the previous year's activities and significant changes in the region's economic conditions
•Evaluate effectiveness in meeting goals
•Schedule achievable goals for the coming year

EMDC brings together a broad-based group of representatives from across Eastern Maine each year to develop or update the CEDS. The strategy seeks to analyze current conditions, establish goals, objectives and a vision, and initiate and evaluate projects that move us toward the long-term vision.

EMDC is committed to supporting the CEDS ongoing, sustained planning process. The CEDS is valuable because it helps to organize and maximize resources, build community support, petition state and federal fund agencies, and understand Eastern Maine's economic situation.

Applications for the CEDS are accepted four times each year. Projects are added to the current CEDS Project List once they are approved by the CEDS committee.

The 2012 CEDS is now available! You can view it online here or you may download a printable version by clicking below.

2007 CEDS
2009 CEDS
2010 CEDS
2011 CEDS
2012 CEDS -- Three of the projects named in the 2012 CEDS for Eastern Maine have received funding from the Economic Development Administration. Congratulations to Bangor International Airport/City of Bangor (C&L Aerospace hangar renovation), the City of Belfast (waterfront redevelopment) and the Town of Dover-Foxcroft (River Walk--redevelopment of former Moosehead Manufacturing/Mayo Mill).

2012-2013 CEDS  Applications Now Being Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for a second round of "Priority Projects" for the 2012-2013 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Eastern Maine. Municipalities are encouraged to download and submit the application below. Applications are accepted throughout the year but should be submitted by March 1, 2013 to be considered in the next review.  Submissions should be sent to jbrooks@emdc.org

UPDATED!!  CEDS Application

For opportunities or information on the CEDS, please contact Jen Brooks, Director of Business Development a jbrooks@emdc.org