Regional Planning

A primary role of Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) is to promote economic development and help communities across the region thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.

Every four years, SEWEDA develops a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to guide long-term economic growth and investment throughout Southeast Washington.

While required by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to maintain the region’s Economic Development District (EDD) designation, the CEDS is much more than a planning document. It brings together leaders from the public, private, nonprofit, educational, and civic sectors to identify regional strengths, address challenges, and establish a shared vision for the future.

The CEDS serves as a roadmap for economic development priorities and helps position the region for federal funding opportunities that support infrastructure, workforce development, business growth, and community projects. Through this collaborative process, SEWEDA helps build partnerships, strengthen regional resilience, and create opportunities for long-term prosperity.

Why Is the CEDS Important?

The CEDS helps regional economic development partners maximize limited resources, coordinate investments, and attract additional funding opportunities. Once approved by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the CEDS maintains the region’s Economic Development District (EDD) designation, preserves access to EDA planning resources, and supports eligibility for federal funding opportunities that help implement priority projects identified within the strategy.