MetroCOG Draft CEDS Strategy + Implementation – 09-01-21
MetroCOG Draft CEDS Technical Appendix – 09-01-21
BRIDGEPORT – The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) recently completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Greater Bridgeport Region. MetroCOG serves as the Council of Governments and Regional Planning Organization for the six communities of Greater Bridgeport – the City of Bridgeport and the Towns of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. MetroCOG works closely with federal, state, and local agencies to facilitate a regional approach to transportation, conservation, economic development, natural hazard mitigation and land use planning, as well as municipal shared services.
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a multi-jurisdictional planning process that provides a realistic and successful approach towards economic growth of an entire Region. The CEDS consists of an analysis of demographic, economic, market, and industry trends, and other relevant data to identify current and future economic conditions. The strategy brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from municipal government, higher education, non-profits, chambers of commerce, workforce development boards and various private sector businesses and industries to coalesce around economic development and determine feasible solutions to attract and retain businesses, talent, and capital.
About the Strategy
According to the United States Economic Development Administration a CEDS “contributes to effective economic development in America’s communities and regions through a locally based, regionally-driven economic development planning process. Economic development planning – as implemented through the CEDS – is not only a cornerstone of the US EDA programs, but successfully serves to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration.” Regions are required to update their CEDS every five years to qualify for certain federal assistance programs. Additionally, a CEDS is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an Economic Development District (EDD).
Public Feedback is Needed
The public is welcomed and encouraged to review and comment on the draft CEDS. Copies of the document are available at the offices of the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments: 1000 Lafayette Boulevard Suite 925, Bridgeport, Connecticut. The document can also be accessed via the MetroCOG website: www.ctmetro.org.
A public information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, at the offices of MetroCOG. All attendees must adhere to local and state public heath guidelines regarding masking and social distancing.
Comments may be made at the information meeting, via e-mail or in writing. Written comments must be clearly legible, submitted on 8½” by 11″ paper and include the person’s name and address. Written comments can be addressed to the MetroCOG office. Comments on the draft Plan may also be emailed to Matthew Fulda, Executive Director, MetroCOG, mfulda@ctmetro.org or Patrick Carleton, Deputy Director, pcarleton@ctmetro.org. All comments must be received before 11 AM on September 30th, 2021.
For more information, please call MetroCOG at (203) 366-5405. Language assistance may be requested within a reasonable timeframe and is provided at no cost to the public.
To access the public meeting via computer please use the following link: https://bit.ly/publicmeeting-ceds.
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