Overview
10/07/25 – Agriculture Analysis and Mapping Tools Now Available!
See the Project Page to download the Analysis and access the mapping applications.
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.”
Services
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.
2026 CEDS Meeting Schedule*
- January 30
- April 24
- July 31
- October 30
*Meetings are generally scheduled as web conferences.
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.
Industrial Parks MapContact
For more information regarding Economic Development, please contact:
Stephen Carlson
Program Manager
(231) 722-7878 ext. 110
scarlson@wmsrdc.org
