(CEDS)

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Update (1/31/2024): E-REP has announced the selection of Fourth Economy as the consultant to guide the region’s development of a new CEDS. The Pittsburgh-based firm was awarded through a request for proposals process, which was led by E-REP and assisted by partners Success Warrick and Go Gibson. Fourth Economy was the consensus pick of a scoring committee after six consultants submitted proposals to E-REP in late 2023.

About:

The Evansville Region will produce a new CEDS in 2024. This strategy-driven plan for regional economic development will be a key enabler, serving as a guide toward becoming more resilient, equitable and competitive.

A CEDS is a vital component of establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by building regional capacity – through hard and soft infrastructure – that contributes to individual, firm, and community success. It provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, learning institutes, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity-building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.

The planning area includes the four counties traditionally described as the Evansville Region. They are Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson counties. Note that Henderson County (Ky.), while part of the Evansville MSA, cannot be part of this plan as it is already included in the Green River Area Economic Development District.

Timeline:

Following is an approximate timeline of events during this pursuit:

2023
  • July: E-REP applies for the EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance Program
  • September/October: EDA awards E-REP $60,000 to hire a consultant and develop new CEDS
  • November: Response for Proposals issued seeking qualified firm
  • December: Consultant selected after internal review and interviews with finalists
2024
  • January: Consultant selected is announced; project commences
  • February: Existing plan review and ecosystem scan; existing conditions analysis; establish strategy committee/advisory groups
  • March: Strategy committee meeting #1, stakeholder engagement, begin SWOT
  • April: Topic area research (economic resilience, workforce development, and equity)
  • May: Finish SWOT, plan for Build Sessions, strategy committee meeting #2
  • June: Host Build Sessions
  • July: Begin synthesizing materials/draft deliverables; Strategy committee meeting #3
  • August: Public comment period
  • September: Final deliverables
  • October/November: Public input incorporated; final CEDS adopted and submitted for EDA approval
2025
  • January/February: EDA-approved CEDS used apply to become designated Economic Development District (EDD)
  • March/going forward: Governing board at E-REP guides the efforts of the EDD and implement the CEDS

CEDS Updates:

E-REP requesting proposals for Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Evansville Region Secures Funding to Develop Regional Economic Development Strategy

E-REP Announces Consultant to Develop Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

CONTACT

For questions regarding the Evansville Region’s CEDS, please contact Program Manager, Patrick Hickey via email at phickey@evvregion.com or by calling 812-461-0516.