CEDS Program
Contact: Rosemary Scrivens (508) 459-3336 rscrivens@cmrpc.org
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Program is a regional planning vehicle under the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The CEDS process replaced the former Overall Economic Development Program, or OEDP, in 1999 when EDA was re-authorized under new legislation. The CEDS Committee consists of representatives from the public and private sectors from around the WorcesterRegion – defined for purposes of the CEDS as the City of Worcester and the 39 surrounding communities that make up the CMRPC’s region.
To view the 2007 Greater Worcester CEDS Report, CLICK HERE.
VISION STATEMENT
The vision for the Greater Worcester Area is to build upon the region’s economic strengths to sustain the positive economic momentum of today and help the region withstand the inevitable economic downturns. The area is strong in several economic resources, including a skilled and educated workforce, intellectual capital available at 16 institutions of higher education, a variety of federal, state and local development agencies, and infrastructure, including an excellent transportation network and a multimillion fiber optic infrastructure network. The 2004 Greater Worcester Area CEDS reflects the region’s goal to implement a successful economic development planning process that utilizes its economic resources, addresses its economic problems, and fulfills its economic potential through the following goals:
- Strengthening the existing manufacturing base in the region.
- Fostering the creation and expansion of start up and small businesses in the manufacturing, service, and retail sectors.
- Providing a well-trained workforce with up-to-date skills.
- Insuring an adequate supply of industrial land/space with appropriate infrastructure.
- Establishing a systematic approach to supporting and developing new and emerging industries.
- Promoting community and regional cooperation in Land Use Planning and Zoning, Utility Development, Transportation Network Development, Environmental Regulation, and Housing.