The Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) has released the 2023 draft update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for a 30-day public comment period. Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on the document.

“The CEDS serves as a blueprint for regional economic development in southeast Washington, and seeks to align the growth strategies of the communities within our four-county district,” said Erika Stricker, Executive Director for SEWEDA. “We look forward to hearing from our district stakeholders and welcome all feedback. This document belongs to the communities it represents, and we truly want it to reflect the diverse needs and priorities of those communities.”

The 2023 CEDS is supported by the strategic direction and goals from the previous CEDS and a number of community surveys conducted in the last year. It includes action plan to address some of the region’s major economic challenges, including local business development, broadband, housing, work force, and others, and provides information on key industries in the region. Implementation of the CEDS relies on joint commitment and collaboration between residents, local and regional organizations. The action plan seeks to provide a road map for collaborators to identify and execute economic development policies and projects, and advance economic resiliency.

Upon endorsement of the CEDS by the SEWEDA Board of Directors, the document will be submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for adoption.

If you are a resident of, or representative of an organization or business that operates within Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, or Whitman counties, SEWEDA encourages and invites you to review the draft and provide feedback.

The public is invited to submit comments through this survey or via email at ceds@seweda.org. Public review and comment on the draft document will close at 5:00pm on July 15, 2023.