The Merrimack Valley region is designated an economic development district (EDD) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce. EDA is the main economic development agency of the federal government and works with EDDs throughout the country to promote regional cooperation and job growth.
The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is the designated liaison between EDA and the 15-community Merrimack Valley region. MVPC receives an annual planning grant from EDA. Through this grant, MVPC manages the Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Program. In addition to producing the regional CEDS document, The Program consists of: organizing regional CEDS meetings; public works grant assistance; information support through MVPC’s regional demographic data center and economic impact model; and support for regional initiatives such as our brownfields assessment program and “Means Business” website.
2009 Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) - Performance Report
The 2009 Merrimack Valley CEDS Performance Report provides an update on economic development conditions, studies, and initiatives that have occurred in the region since the release of the 2008 Merrimack Valley CEDS. The 2008 CEDS was a complete update, featuring a new set of goals, objectives, and action plan for the region.
2008 Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The CEDS has been completely revised for 2008. It features a new set of goals, objectives, and action plan for the region. This action-oriented plan has been developed in concert with regional leaders from a broad group of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. MVPC held a series of economic development strategy meetings, focused on identifying responsible parties for the implementation of shared goals and objectives. Through this process, a number of collaborative efforts for both ongoing and potential new projects were highlighted. In addition, key economic development themes critical to the enhancement of the regional economy were examined.
Based on public feedback, the CEDS has been structured to maximize user-friendliness. One of the difficult challenges of any new planning effort is maintaining momentum. With this in mind, we have limited the use of “heavy,” bureaucratic language in order to support forward-thinking action. The goal is for the CEDS to become a strong resource for the region that is continuously used and referenced.
