New Haven CEDS

A 15-town region in the New Haven area received federal funding to complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Description:

The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) enlisted Mount Auburn Associates and CERC to carry out the process. The two companies collaborated to perform economic and demographic analyses for the region, an economic audit and an analysis of civic infrastructure.

Issues:

The region needed to gain in-depth knowledge of its economic and demographic trends, strengths and weaknesses.

Deliverables:

The final report assessed the state of the regional economy's strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats posed by external trends and forces, as well as the availability of partners and resources for economic development.

Outcomes:

The report pointed out the region's industrial decline and the proliferation of urban sprawl. To address this decline, an economic development plan and action steps will be created that will delineate specific initiatives to accomplish goals and objectives, set priorities and establish benchmarks for measuring progress. The CEDS is an opportunity to coordinate federal, state and local funding for economic development.