The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan document was completed and submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).   

The CEDS Plan represents Boone and Winnebago County 's regional five-year comprehensive strategic economic development plan for EDA purposes. The CEDS Committee was made up of 20 private sector and 18 public sector stakeholders across the two-county region.  The CEDS Plan organizes the region's economic development goals and priorities and helps qualify projects to apply for EDA grant opportunities.

A CEDS lays out a regional strategy for economic development with the ultimate goal being a stronger, more diverse regional economy. While the CEDS' most critical function is to provide a regional economic development framework, it also serves as a required vehicle through which some federal agencies (especially the EDA) evaluate requests for grant assistance. Without having a CEDS approved by the EDA, no one in the Region is eligible to receive EDA Grant.

To make this vision a reality, the Region will pursue the following Goals:

1. Create a regional comprehensive economic development plan and marketing strategy emphasizing collaboration within the Rockford MSA.

2. Foster efficient business development, expansion, diversification, job growth, and entrepreneurial activity throughout the region.

3. Ensure the future availability of a skilled and flexible workforce prepared to meet the needs of both existing and emerging industries and technologies.

4. Meet the full range of business' infrastructure needs with emphasis on transportation, utilities and communications.

5. Redeploy existing underused commercial and industrial properties, and protect natural amenities and resources for economic development purposes.

6. Obtain a higher quality of life by supporting and enhancing the region's sense of community identity, community health, cultural and recreational amenities, and creative industries.

The CEDS Committee was chaired by Growth Dimension's President Richard Van Evera and partner with Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley and Van Evera law firm and facilitated by NIU and Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) staff along with assistance from Growth Dimensions, the City of Rockford and the Rockford Metropolitan Agency on Planning (RMAP).                                                                                      

The plan also identifies priority projects for the region.

Please click here to view the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Plan document.