Colorado has introduced its inaugural Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a five-year roadmap designed to promote inclusive economic growth across all regions of the state. Developed by the Rural Opportunity Office within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the plan was shaped through broad consultation with local communities, tribal nations—including the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes—and economic development stakeholders. n nGovernor Jared Polis emphasized that sustainable economic advancement requires coordinated efforts among urban, suburban, and rural areas, involving both public and private sectors. He described the CEDS as a vital instrument for driving investment and innovation. Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, highlighted that the strategy serves as more than a blueprint—it is a practical mechanism to harmonize development initiatives across Colorado’s 64 counties, enhance collaboration, and strengthen economic resilience. n nAligned with guidelines from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the 2025 CEDS reflects best practices in regional planning. It builds on prior frameworks such as Colorado’s Blueprint 2.0 and the CO|Align initiative, which aim to synchronize strategies, eliminate duplication, and boost capacity. Over the past two years, regional economic development areas have adopted localized CEDS plans using the CO|Align model, culminating in statewide implementation for the first time. n nThe Rural Opportunity Office plays a central role in supporting rural economies by connecting local entities with state and partner programs. Staffed by regionally based representatives, the office ensures tailored assistance for small businesses and development organizations. OEDIT, under the governor’s leadership, continues to expand access to funding, training, consulting, and resources to foster a dynamic and equitable economic environment across industries and geographies. n— news from Ark Valley Voice
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Colorado Unveils Landmark Economic Development Tool
Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Aims to Leave No Community Behind n nToday, the Rural Opportunity Office within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) released Colorado’s first Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Statewide CEDS is a five-year strategic action plan that articulates an economic vision and goals for Colorado and was developed with extensive input from communities and economic development partners from across the state. n n“Building a strong economy for Colorado’s future requires detailed research, strategy and coordination across local, state, and private partners across rural, urban, and suburban communities, and that’s what this statewide strategy does,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We continue to move forward in spurring economic development and investment in our economy and I’m excited to see this strategy support this important work.” n n“The Statewide CEDS is more than a plan. It is an important tool that will benefit all of Colorado’s 64 counties, including the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes, by helping us align economic development strategies statewide,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman. “Today’s milestone lays the foundation to build on local and rural plans, attract more investment, foster collaboration, and create a more vibrant, resilient and prosperous economy across the state.” n nState leaders say that the 2025 Colorado Statewide CEDS is based on the gold standard for economic development and developed in accordance with U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) guidelines. With it, Colorado continues its commitment to implement statewide economic development planning that incorporates regional goals and outcomes. CEDS have also been shown to help economic development initiatives attract investment and lead to more consistent, positive outcomes when funding is secured. n n“Colorado’s Statewide CEDS is the result of dedicated, long-term collaboration to develop regional strategies that informed this comprehensive plan. We are grateful to the many communities and partners who contributed their expertise, experience and insights to ensure this plan represents all four corners of Colorado. By ensuring that we are all working together and moving in the same direction, we can work toward long-term, sustained economic growth,” said Rural Opportunity Office Director Meridith Marshall. n nColorado’s 2025 CEDS continues previous commitments to align statewide strategies with regional goals. This includes Colorado’s Blueprint 2.0 launched in 2015 and CO|Align, a collective initiative to align strategies, reduce redundancies and enhance capacity for economic development efforts across Colorado. n nOver the past two years, the State of Colorado has assisted economic development regions across the state to develop and implement regional CEDS, leveraging the framework created by CO|Align. As of today, this marks the first time Colorado’s regions have all completed CEDS, which are currently in implementation. n nThe Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) is organized to support Colorado’s rural communities, economic development offices, business support organizations, and small businesses by connecting them to relevant OEDIT, State and partner programs to work toward a resilient future. The office consists of a director and Rural Opportunity Representatives who serve rural communities across all of Colorado. Each representative lives within the region of the state that they support. n nThe Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. n nFeatured image: Colorado State Capitol and grounds. Photo courtesy of Colorado Public Radio.