Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

 

What is the CEDS? CEDS is a regional planning process focusing on economic development. The CEDS process results in a five-year strategic plan for regional economic development that is updated annually. The report is submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for review and approval. Once the CEDS report is approved, the region may apply to receive funding assistance for public works and planning projects related to economic development.

Who participates in the CEDS planning process?

The CEDS planning process is open to individuals and organizations interested in the long-term development of economic opportunity on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Commission, as the regional planning agency, leads the CEDS planning process, while the Barnstable County Economic Development Council serves as the CEDS Advisory Committee. Municipalities, local chambers of commerce, and numerous regional organizations involved in economic development contribute to the planning process and the CEDS report. Participating organizations include:

• Barnstable County:
  • Cape Cod Commission
  • Cape Cod Economic Development Council
  • Cape Light Compact
  • Barnstable County Department of Human Services
• Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
• Association to Preserve Cape Cod - Business Roundtable
• Lower Cape Community Development Corporation
• Cape & Islands Workforce Investment Board
• Arts Foundation of Cape Cod
• Cape & Islands Community Development, Inc.
• Cape Cod Community College
• Smart Planning & Growth Coalition
• Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman's Association
• Cape Cod Economic Development Professionals Group
• Cape Cod Association of Chamber Executives

What is the CEDS economic development vision for the Cape Cod region?

VISION STATEMENT
To implement a balanced, sustainable economic development strategy capable of absorbing the effects of seasonal fluctuations in economic activity, which integrates economic and environmental concerns.

What are the Goals and Objectives of the CEDS?

GOAL	OBJECTIVE
Goal 1: A strong CEDS Planning Process Increase awareness of economic development issues in the region	Increase participation in CEDS Planning Process Strengthen coordination among economic development organizations Increase distribution of CEDS Report including electronic distribution Ongoing analysis of Cape Cod regional economy to inform the CEDS Process Understand the economic impact of the retirement community on the region
Goal 2: A skilled workforce and outstanding training & educational opportunities	Increase the technical competence of the workforce Promote educational partnerships and new approaches to learning that benefit K-12 students Support strategic planning efforts in workforce training and education Continue to expand opportunities for higher education & life-long learning
Goal 3: A vibrant economy built on strong traditional and emerging economic clusters	Support the hospitality and leisure cluster by promoting value-added tourism Support arts & culture cluster through training and creative marketing strategies Support the information & related technology cluster Support the micro/small business & entrepreneurship cluster Support the marine science and technology cluster Support energy efficiency, alternative energy cluster and programs Support the Education Cluster by attracting students from outside the region
Goal 4: An economy that benefits all residents and preserves a healthy natural environment	Direct development to regional growth centers Improve wastewater infrastructure Improve access to child and elder care Support efforts to make housing affordable
Goal 5: An integrated transportation and communications infrastructure in keeping with the character of Cape Cod	Identify infrastructure gaps Develop inter-modal transportation links Encourage use of auto alternatives Encourage affordable housing where transportation alternatives exist
Goal 6: A top notch, affordable health care system	Provide training for health services workers Support the development of higher quality services & facilities Support efforts to make health care affordable

What is included in the CEDS Reports?

There are two types of CEDS reports: the five-year update and the interim annual reports. The detailed five-year CEDS report includes the following:

1. THE PLANNING PROCESS: A description of the CEDS Regional Planning Process
2. THE ANALYSIS: A comprehensive review of regionŐs economic development challenges and opportunities
3. THE VISION: An outline of the region's economic development vision, goals & objectives
4. THE ACTION PLAN: A description of the major economic development initiatives throughout the region
5. THE EVALUATION: A plan for measuring the quality of economic development activities in the region and the region's progress in meeting specific priorities and the overall CEDS vision and goals.

During the interim years, the CEDS planning team prepares annual reports to track the region's progress in meeting its economic development goals and document any changes in either regional conditions or the plan itself. Annual reports include the following sections:

1. ADJUSTMENT TO THE CEDS: Description of any changes in the CEDS planning process, structure, or strategy
2. ACTIVITIES EVALUATION: Description of year's activities, including quantitative and qualitative measures of their success, and an outcome evaluation of each activity.
3. GOALS EVALUATION: Analysis of overall progress toward meeting regional goals using quantitative and qualitative measures
4. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: Timeline identifying priority activities for the upcoming year and when they will be implemented

Who should I contact about CEDS?

Please feel free to contact Leslie Richardson (lrichardson@capecodcommission.org), the Economic Development Officer for the Cape Cod Commission and staff coordinator for the CEDS, at any time.