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1. What is CEDS?

A comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) is designed to
bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic
roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. The CEDS
analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide for establishing regional
goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action,
and identifying investment priorities and funding sources. A CEDS sets forth
a strategy necessary to solve the economic development problems
of the region, clearly defines the metrics of success, and provides a useful
benchmark by which a regional economy can evaluate opportunities with
other regions in the national economy.

2. What is asset mapping?

Every region has its own unique set of assets -- both tangible and
intangible -- that can be leveraged for workforce and economic development
to enhance its competitive position and support innovation-based growth.
Asset mapping identifies the assets a region has (human, intellectual, financial,
physical, institutional capital), provides a comparison to other regions, identify
gaps, provides an understanding of networks and cultural attitudes, gives a
baseline to judge future progress, and provides a base for strategic planning.

3. Who will develop the CEDS?

The asset map and CEDS for Hidalgo County will be developed with broad-based
input from the community through an asset mapping research process and an
economic development strategic planning process that involves public and private
sector participation. The UTPA project team will lead development of the asset map
and the CEDS with a Strategy Committee, an Asset Mapping Subcommittee,
and input from other key stakeholders and the public through meetings.

4. What other communities have done CEDS?

In Texas:
South Plains Economic Development District of Lubbock
15 county region
Population approximately 386,742

West Central Texas Economic Development District Corporation of Abilene
19 county region
Population approximately 340,000

Around the Country:
Connecticut – Fairfield County
Population approximately 900,000
Most populous county in State

Michigan – Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
Population approximately 297,210

New York – Mohawk Valley Economic Development District of Mohawk, NY