Economic Development District (CEDS and EDA)
Economic Development District
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Serving the six counties that make up the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas), and all municipalities therein, the Economic Development District (EDD) provides the following services to its member agencies:
- Prepares and maintains the Tampa Bay Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
- Assists with the implementation strategies identified in the CEDS
- Provides letters of support for projects submitted to the Economic Development Administration for funding
- Provides technical assistance to local governments and economic development organizations on their economic development activities, programs, and grant applications
The EDD is a gateway for a number of federal grant opportunities for local jurisdictions, provided that the projects that are proposed are consistent with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Project proponents must have a support letter attesting to the proposed project’s consistency with the CEDS from the District to submit applications for assistance from EDA on investment projects as well as grants supporting economic recovery that are offered by other agencies.
The 2017-2021 Tampa Bay CEDS was adopted on August 18, 2017 by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.