February 2, 2016 | Meghan Asbury The East Central Vermont Economic Development District (ECVEDD) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is ready for your review. ECVEDD 2016-2021 CEDS – EDA Approved February 1, 2015 What is a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)? A CEDS is a strategy-driven, locally developed road map for economic development, with the ultimate goal being a stronger, more diverse regional and resilient economy. The CEDS process provides the opportunity for individuals, organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation about what economic development efforts would best serve the region. While the CEDS’ most critical function is to provide an economic development framework, it also serves as a required vehicle through which some federal agencies (especially the EDA) evaluate requests for grant assistance. An approved EDA CEDS is required for entities in the region to be eligible for EDA funding.