Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

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The Region 2000 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a leading regional economic development tool for diversifying and strengthening the region’s economic vitality. CEDS is a program of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and is a required document for a region to qualify for certain EDA funding programs. The CVPDC is the contractual agency to the EDA to manage the CEDS and provide yearly implementation status updates.

The CVPDC and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA) partnered with area business and community leaders to develop the CEDS as a five-year roadmap to guide regional economic prosperity.

CEDS 2026

The Central Virginia Planning District Commission commissioned the work on behalf of the region. Short, Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) was selected to develop the plan. The primary contact with SEH is Chris Chittum, who is located in Roanoke.

SEH will work with stakeholders around the region to gain input and insight on the region’s economy and the needs for the future. A CEDS Steering Committee made up of economic development leaders has been formed to oversee and guide work on the project. The committee will begin meeting in January, and the project is scheduled to be completed by June 2026.

Click the button below to visit the website and learn more about the CEDS process or to take a brief survey, which will help guide the final strategy.

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