E-REP Seeks Public Input on 5-Year Regional Economic Development Strategy
OCTOBER 18, 2024
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) is calling for public feedback on the draft 2025-2029 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties.
A CEDS provides a framework for various stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about building economic capacity and serves as a guide for the region to become more resilient, equitable, and competitive.
“This is the first step towards a deeper connection with the US Department of Commerce, a connection that will provide capacity building tools, grant priority, and financial support towards growing our local economy,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer at E-REP. “But equally important, the tool lets us know what our residents, units of government, businesses, and nonprofits find important and impactful, allowing us to work towards a collaboratively envisioned local economy.”
The public comment period will run through 5 p.m. CST on November 18. Interested parties can access the draft CEDS and survey form at evansvilleregion.com/ceds. The public is encouraged to review the draft and provide comments using the form available at the provided link.
The CEDS focuses on four key areas: 1) Develop Key Regional Infrastructure; 2) Strengthen Key Industries; 3) Attract and Develop a Talented Workforce, and 4) Leverage Signature Developments (e.g., River Vision, I-69 Bridge). Each focus area identifies challenges facing businesses, workforce, and the environment. The strategy approach was developed using data and stakeholder input to form goals that build economic resiliency, equity, and alignment with local, regional, and state efforts.
“This work would not have been possible without the contributions of many community members from across the Evansville Region who participated in one-on-one interviews, small-group interviews, community engagement sessions, and public feedback opportunities,” said Chris Worley, Director at Fourth Economy and Project Lead in the development for the Evansville Region’s CEDS draft. “These community members offered valuable input that helped inform the analysis, strategies, and overall direction of this plan, ensuring that it is representative of the diverse needs, histories, and voices of the region.”
All comments will be reviewed by the CEDS Committee to determine and integrate any necessary changes to the draft before it is finalized and submitted to the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) for approval. The final plan will be available at evansvilleregion.com, and comments will be included and addressed in the appendices.
For more information on the development of the strategy, visit evansvilleregion.com/ceds. Questions, accommodation requests, and other CEDS inquiries can be directed to Patrick Hickey, Economic Development Director, at phickey@evvregion.com or (812) 470-2640.
