The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is the result of a local planning processes designed to guide the economic growth of the area.  A CEDS process helps create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions.  It provides a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry concerned with economic development. 

A CEDS is required to qualify for Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under its public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs, and is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an economic development district (EDD).

The CEDS contains four main elements:  analysis, vision, action plan, and evaluation.  The analysis assesses the state of the regional economy, the opportunities and threats posed by external trends and forces, and the availability of partners and resources for economic development.  The community’s vision and goals, together with an appraisal of the region’s competitive advantage, sets the strategic direction for the action plan.  The action plan establishes program priorities for implementation.  Finally, the CEDS establishes criteria and performance measures for evaluation of the process and for the periodic update of the document.