Sample Planning Document

2003 District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Document

Chapter 1 - provides an overview on regionalism and its importance in effectively addressing the issues confronting local leaders if they are to be successful in garnering private sector investments in today's changing global economy.  This Chapter concludes by providing an overview of the CEDS planning process and the document itself and its importance in providing a framework for "coordinating local and areawide economic development planning efforts".

Chapter 2 - provides a brief history of EDA funding and designation of the five-county region as an "Economic Development District" (or EDD).  This chapter also includes an overview of the staffing and administration of the District organization as well as, the EDD's ongoing involvement in local economic development activities within the region.

Chapter 3 - provides an analysis of the population trends within the five-county District comprised of Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Marion counties. Selected statistical data and information is presented regarding the region's population, labor force, physical environment and general economic activity, among other topics.

Chapter 4 - presents an analysis of recent, as well as historical trends in economic development within the District. The Chapter will assess the impact of both private and public sector development activities within the District and will further build upon the concept of regional interdependence as presented in Chapter 1.

Chapter 5 - addresses the current state of the District's infrastructure.  The importance of developing modern facilities such as schools and roads, sanitary sewers and water delivery systems and other essential aspects to modern economic development will be addressed. Analysis of both the District's infrastructure attributes and detractions will be presented in an objective review.  

Chapter 6 - sets forth a series of broad economic development goals and more measurable economic development objectives collectively designed to take advantage of opportunities for development within the region.  The chapter also addresses the region's economic development problems and unique attributes for attracting future private sector investments which would create higher skilled, better paying jobs for area residents.  Specific recommendations regarding organizational responsibilities, the continuation of existing programs or the establishment of new programs and related project listings are categorized under broad economic development goals.

Chapter 7 - explains the District's development concept, which includes designating the six largest municipalities as re-development centers and the creation of two designated growth corridors.  In designating these re-development areas, the District has made a concerted attempt to "funnel" resources for the implementation of the goals and objectives as presented in Chapter 6.  The designation should further assist the District's staff, as well as partner development organizations in determining the overall effectiveness of local development efforts and gauge more easily the successes and failures in the implementation of the District's development strategy.

Appendix - provides a listing of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee members, a current listing of the Board of Commissioners for the South Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development Commission, as well as resolutions supporting this CEDS document from the County Boards of Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Marion counties.