Public urged to comment on new economic plan for Aroostook and Washington counties
CARIBOU — Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) invites the public to review and comment on the draft 2024-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Aroostook Washington Economic Development District (AWEDD).
The CEDS is a five-year plan that identifies the economic challenges and opportunities in the region, sets goals and objectives, and outlines strategies and projects to enhance the economic vitality and resilience of the AWEDD. The CEDS also serves as a guide for federal, state, and local investments in economic development.
“The CEDS is an important economic tool that reflects the vision and priorities of our communities and stakeholders,” said Gulliver. “It helps us leverage resources, foster collaboration, and align our efforts with regional and national goals. We encourage everyone to review the draft CEDS and provide us with their feedback.”
Economic development planning – as implemented through the CEDS – is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s programs, but successfully serves as a means to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration.
The draft CEDS is available for download here. The public comment period will run from March 1, 2024 to March 30, 2024. Comments can be submitted by email to Jon Gulliver, Director of Economic and Community Development at NMDC, at jgulliver@nmdc.org.