The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is seeking public input on the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS Committee has outlined six goals to work towards over the next five years. These goals aim to improve economic conditions for everyone working, living and visiting southwest Michigan. Socioeconomic data, a SWOT Analysis and public engagement informed the Committee on the priorities of the region. What makes this plan comprehensive is looking beyond traditional economic development by incorporating quality of place, sustainability, diversity, equity and
inclusion.
The six goals include:
Quality of Place – The quality of place is the features of the natural and built environment as well as the human networks and systems that combine to make a location a healthy, desirable, competitive and economically viable place to live.
Education and Workforce – An educated and talented workforce is vital for the continued growth and development of the region’s economy.
Business Support – Supporting local business, both large and small.
Infrastructure – Infrastructure includes many aspects of the built environment around us including roads, bridges, air, rail, utilities and broadband internet. These elements drive the economy forward.
Economic and Environmental Sustainability – Economic development should be conducted in a way that helps minimize the risk of future economic hardship and protects the environment for generations to come.
Equity and Inclusion – Economic prosperity should positively impact all members of the
community and never should further disadvantage underserved populations.
The 2022 CEDS can be found here
Public comment will be accepted through December 16th.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CEDSDraft
If you have questions, please contact Jerrid Burdue at burduej@swmpc.org.
