Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) and Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD) have partnered with TPMA to prepare a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region, including Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties. The project launched at the end of March, with completion expected in September.
A CEDS is a unified, regionally focused action plan that provides a framework for an area’s economic growth and community development. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires regions to update their CEDS at least every five years. The strategy will include five primary elements: Summary Background, SWOT Analysis, Strategic Direction, Evaluation Framework, and Economic Resilience.
“MAG’s goal is to provide its partners with a useful tool to support their ongoing community and economic development efforts,” said Jessica DeLora, MAG Community and Economic Development Director. “We look forward to working with a diverse group of stakeholders to increase regional collaboration and identify common priorities for continued success.”
The project has commenced with a discovery phase to review existing plans, as well as collect and analyze data such as demographics, labor market information, industry clusters, etc. The next phase of the project will include robust regional engagement. TPMA expects that key stakeholders will include government officials and staff, and representatives from economic development organizations, business and industry, healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, coalitions and civic groups, and area students.
“Strategic planning requires strategic engagement,” said Lindsay Bloos, Project Lead for TPMA. “We design engagements that are highly interactive, consensus-building, and solution-focused. We take the time to communicate and involve stakeholders throughout the project from start to finish.”
On-site workshops for key stakeholders are expected to take place in mid-June.
MEDD and TPMA will work with stakeholders to identify strategies corresponding to the data analysis and priorities set by stakeholders. An evaluation framework will include actions for implementation, timelines, and metrics. The plan will be posted for public review for a minimum of 30 days before it is submitted to the EDA.
For more information, contact MAG Economic Development Coordinator, Jack Davis, at jdavis@mountainland.org
About MAG & MEDD:
Designated as the Association of Governments for this region, MAG strives to accomplish the best work for those served. They thrive on seeing the communities in their area grow and succeed. Their emphasis areas include Informed Aging, Community & Economic Development and Planning for Growth. Its mission is to empower communities to achieve their vision in Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties.
MAG also coordinates the Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD), a designated district by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The MEDD supports regional economic competitiveness, investments, and collaboration. The MEDD administers a Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that provides gap and start-up funding to businesses that are unable to obtain traditional business financing.