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.”