05/01/25 – Agriculture Analysis Underway
In October 2024, WMSRDC initiated work on a project designed to gather information about the region’s agriculture and food processing economic cluster, entitled “West Michigan Agriculture Cluster Impact Analysis.” Project partners include WMSRDC, MSU Product Center, MSU RS&GIS, and Highland Economics. The effort is primarily funded by the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, with additional contributions provided by the Making It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund (through the State of Michigan), Fremont Area Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Community Foundation for Mason County, Community Foundation for Oceana County, and WMSRDC. Project deliverables will be presented in the form of a report and interactive online map, and will highlight agriculture sector assets, challenges, and opportunities. This information is intended for public and private stakeholders to inform strategic investments and strategies that will support and enhance the varied aspects of agriculture and food processing in West Michigan. Work on this one-year project will continue through the spring and summer of 2025.
04/15/23 – CEDS Update Completed!
The WMSRDC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) has been updated and is in effect through the year 2028. The CEDS must be updated every five years and is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development and is the result of a regionally owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area. The CEDS enables eligible applicants in the counties of Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana to request assistance and funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). Click here for more information and to view or download the CEDS.
About WMSRDC Economic Development Program
WMSRDC has been involved in economic development since its debut in 1970. The Commission’s economic development activities became more focused in 1975, when it was designated an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. This designation enables communities within the WMSRDC region to remain eligible for EDA funding programs. Since 1966, EDA has made at least 55 investments in the WMSRDC region, including industrial park and infrastructure improvements, technology centers, technical assistance, and loans.
The WMSRDC Economic Development program revolves around maintenance and implementation of the CEDS. Through the CEDS process, WMSRDC provides local governments and other public and non-profit entities with eligibility to access economic development assistance offered through the EDA. WMSRDC also provides technical assistance to identify potential projects, develop competitive applications, and navigate the EDA application process. The picture below illustrates the WMSRDC economic development “ecosystem.”
