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Staff
Erica Anderson
Director of Economic and Community Development

Sara Nichols
Regional Planner

Mary Roderick
Regional Planner

Jon Beck
GIS Coordinator

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

CEDS 2024

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 2024 CEDS

The CEDS includes the following components with a focus on Economic Resiliency:

  1. Summary Background
  2. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  3. Action Plan
  4. 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.

GroWNC Word Cloud
Source: GroWNC FInal Report

CEDS Reports, Presentations & Past Documents: