Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
CEDS 2020
The US Economic Development Administration supports Land of Sky Regional Council as the designated Economic Development District (EDD) for our four county region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania). As the EDD, our job is to work with regional stakeholders to develop a new CEDS every 5 years and updates to specific components annually. This is the year for a new 5-year refresh.
Launched in 2020 by Land of Sky Regional Council, the Land of Sky Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a 5 year plan designed to support economic and community priorities across our region.
2000-2019 impacts include $151 million in private investment, over 4,000 jobs created or retained, and $300,000 in public investment to date around four focus areas: Competitive Advantage, Regional infrastructure, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, and Innovative People.
Land of Sky 2020 CEDS
The CEDS includes the following components with a focus on Economic Resiliency:
- Summary Background
- SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
- Action Plan
- Evaluation Framework
For local and regional information, please visit our Open Data Portal.
Land of Sky Region Economic Resilience Exposure Analysis
2015 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
What is a CEDS?
The Economic Development Administration, a bureau of the US Department of Commerce, promotes competitiveness in regions by promoting programs which enhance the economic vitality of towns & cities. They support initiatives such as the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to encourage intergovernmental and public/private sector collaboration.
For more information about EDA CEDS Guidelines visit: www.eda.gov/ceds
Brightfield’s Solar Charging Station at LOSRC Burton Street Agricultural Fair
BurntShirt Forestry Solar Hot Water at Annie’s Naturally Bakery
Broad River Terrace Apartments
How do we use our CEDS?
Through the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of our region, we identify opportunities to advance economic vitality and encourage the development of new strategies through public and private partnerships. The Land of Sky Region has a wealth of assets in our people, heritage, and environment. The CEDS identifies emerging trends and opportunities that strengthen regional assets for strong, resilient communities.

Source: GroWNC FInal Report
When Does This Happen?
The 2015 CEDS was submitted to EDA on September 30, 2015. The 2015 Land of Sky CEDS builds on the 2012 NC Tomorrow Statewide Strategy to ensure connections among local, regional, and statewide efforts. The North Carolina Association of Regional Councils led a collaborative partnership with assistance from the US Economic Development Administration, North Carolina Department of Commerce -Division of Community Development and the US Department of Housing & Urban Development to create the NC Statewide Strategy for Comprehensive Community and Economic Development: www.nctomorrow.org
2015 CEDS Priorities
The 2019 CEDS update is currently underway. The CEDS will include these components with a focus on Economic Resiliency:
- Summary Background
- SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
- Action Plan
- Evaluation Framework
The meeting schedule is:
- May 1, 1 - 3 pm -SWOT Analysis evaluation & Action Plan
- June 4, 10 am - 12 noon - Present & Review CEDS Document components
- June 23, 10 am - 12 noon - Final Strategy Workgroup review & Comments Due (tentative)
CEDS Workgroup Members
Name |
Affiliation |
Terry Bellamy |
Madison County |
Brittany Brady |
Henderson County Partnership |
Josh Carpenter |
EPNDC |
John Connet |
City of Hendersonville |
Michael Dempsey |
Lenior-Rhyne University - Asheville |
Josh Dorfman |
The Collider |
Clark Duncan |
Asheville/Buncombe Chamber of Commerce |
Donna Ensley |
Private |
Forrest Gilliam |
Madison County |
Larry Harris* |
Black Mountain Alderman, Burlingham & Harris, CPA |
Josh Hallingse |
Transylvania County |
Mike Hawkins* |
Transylvania County Commissioner |
Ed Katz |
UNC-Asheville |
Jaime Laughter |
Transylvania County |
Tim Love |
Buncombe County |
John Mitchell* |
Henderson County |
Sharon Oxendine |
Western Women's Business Center |
Autumn Radcliff |
Henderson County |
Matt Raker |
Mountain BizWorks |
Nathan Ramsey |
Mountain Area Workforce Development Board |
Arthur Salido |
Western Carolina University |
Bill Sederburg |
Broadband / Advanced Education |
Hillary Sherman |
Economic Development Administration |
Jonathan Snover |
NC Biotechnology Center |
LeeAnne Tucker |
Area Agency on Aging |
Noah Wilson |
Outdoor Gear Builders Alliance |
CEDS Reports, Presentations & Past Documents: