DENVER — Colorado has introduced its inaugural Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a five-year roadmap aimed at shaping the state’s long-term economic direction and objectives. The initiative is designed to harmonize economic priorities across local, regional, and state levels, ensuring that all 64 counties and the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribal nations benefit from coordinated planning and investment.
Developed by the Rural Opportunity Office within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the CEDS was formulated through extensive consultation with communities and development partners throughout the state. Governor Jared Polis emphasized that constructing a robust economic future demands thorough research and collaboration among urban, suburban, and rural stakeholders, both public and private. He described the strategy as a vital framework supporting these collaborative efforts.
Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, highlighted that the plan builds upon existing local and rural development strategies, aiming to draw greater investment, strengthen partnerships, and cultivate a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive economy statewide. By aligning overarching goals with community-specific needs, the strategy seeks to enhance economic outcomes across diverse regions.
The document adheres to guidelines set by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Officials note that such comprehensive strategies can improve a region’s ability to secure funding and attract private capital. Meridith Marshall, Director of the Rural Opportunity Office, credited the success of the plan to years of engagement with local entities, expressing appreciation for the input that helped reflect Colorado’s geographic and economic diversity.
This effort expands on earlier initiatives like Colorado’s Blueprint 2.0 from 2015 and the CO|Align program, which focused on minimizing overlap and enhancing coordination in economic development activities. Over the past two years, regional coalitions have worked to establish localized CEDS plans—marking the first time every region in the state has a formal economic development blueprint in place.
The Rural Opportunity Office continues to assist municipalities, business associations, and small enterprises by linking them with OEDIT resources and support networks. OEDIT provides funding opportunities, training programs, and advisory services to support businesses of all scales in growing and adapting to changing economic conditions.
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Colorado launches statewide economic development strategy
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DENVER — Colorado has released its first Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a five-year plan designed to guide the state’s long-term economic vision and goals.
In Brief:
Colorado releases first Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Plan aims to align local, regional and statewide economic goals
Strategy designed to benefit all 64 counties and tribal nations
Built on collaboration with communities and development partners
The plan, known as CEDS, was developed by the Rural Opportunity Office within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, following input gathered from communities and development partners across the state.
“Building a strong economy for Colorado’s future requires detailed research, strategy and coordination across local, state and private partners in rural, urban and suburban communities,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “This strategy supports that important work.”
OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said the plan is designed to benefit all 64 counties and the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes by aligning statewide strategies and supporting local priorities. “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,” she said.
The strategy was created in line with U.S. Economic Development Administration guidelines. State officials said CEDS documents help communities attract investment and improve outcomes when funding is secured.
Rural Opportunity Office Director Meridith Marshall noted that the plan is the result of years of collaboration with local communities. “We are grateful to the many communities and partners who contributed their expertise and insights to ensure this plan represents all four corners of Colorado,” she said.
The initiative continues previous state efforts, including Colorado’s Blueprint 2.0, launched in 2015, and CO|Align, a program that aims to reduce redundancies and improve coordination in economic development. Over the past two years, Colorado has worked with regional groups to develop and implement local CEDS plans, marking the first time every region has a strategy in place.
The Rural Opportunity Office supports communities, business groups and small businesses across the state by connecting them with OEDIT programs and partner resources. OEDIT works to foster growth by helping businesses of all sizes with funding, training and support programs.
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