Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
WMSRDC prepares the CEDS (formerly known as the Overall Economic Development Program) for the counties of Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana. The CEDS 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 a region. Development of the CEDS is led by WMSRDC, overseen by the CEDS Strategy Committee, and approved by the WMSRDC Board. The CEDS is required to maintain the region’s designation as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation enables communities within the district to remain eligible for EDA assistance. Click here for more information and to view or download the CEDS.
CEDS Strategy Committee
As a part of the CEDS planning process, the WMSRDC organizes the CEDS Strategy Committee to oversee the development and implementation of the document. The committee is required to “represent the main economic interests of the region,” and typically includes representatives from a variety of sectors, such as: economic development, public officials, community leaders, workforce development, higher education, minority/labor, private business, nonprofit, and education. The CEDS Strategy Committee meets quarterly and includes representatives from throughout the WMSRDC region.
2024 CEDS Meeting Schedule*
– April 5
– August 9
– November 8
*Meetings are generally scheduled as web conferences.
Past Meetings Notes
Technical Assistance to Local Governments
WMSRDC reviews and evaluates proposed projects in the CEDS with respect to available federal/state funding resources, and provides technical assistance to communities to access those resources and implement projects. Assistance can range from federal/state liaison, to financial packaging, to grant application. When considering EDA as a potential funding source, it is highly recommended to contact WMSRDC early in the planning process to facilitate project development and communication with EDA representatives.
WMSRDC Industrial & Business Park Map
There are 23 industrial parks or business parks identified in the counties of Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana. Lake County does not have any designated industrial or business parks at this time.
