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In our region, the Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) leads and coordinates strategic planning for economic development and oversees the implementation of action plans to promote growth.

Economic Development Districts are multi-jurisdictional areas designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). They’re designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and to lead regionally driven economic development. The Centralina EDD serves nine counties including Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union.

The Role Of

Centralina Economic Development District

The Centralina EDD works to create sustainable job growth and a robust regional economy by way of innovation and collaboration. As an EDA-designated district, the Centralina EDD receives EDA funding to support local and regional economic planning initiatives. In addition to providing general EDA technical assistance, the Centralina EDD also helps local governments apply for competitive EDA project and technical assistance grants and if awarded, can deliver grant administration services.

One of the most important jobs of the Centralina EDD is developing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Updated every five years, this strategy is a regional roadmap for economic development that defines our area’s greatest strengths and weaknesses. The strategy-driven plan engages the public, private, workforce, education and non-profit sectors in meaningful dialog about where and how we want to grow our economy. The latest version of the CEDS is called “Prosperity for All CEDS 2023 – 2028.” The interactive web portal acts as a live version of this strategy, containing continuously updated economic data. 

The Centralina EDD also aids and collaborates on several regional initiatives by contributing to the development of key economic components. The data, analysis and recommendations from the Centralina EDD were included in CONNECT Our Future and the Regional Freight Mobility Plan.

EDA Funding Opportunities

Regional or local projects that adopt and align with Centralina EDD’s comprehensive economic development strategy are eligible for EDA funding opportunities. Centralina EDD can help secure EDA funding to support a variety of economic development initiatives, including:

  • Public Works
  • Economic Adjustment Assistance
  • Regional Innovation Strategies
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance
  • University Centers
  • Research Technical Assistance
  • Local and National Technical Assistance
  • Economic Development Integration

Board of Directors

The Centralina EDD Board of Directors consists of leaders representing the region’s nine counties, municipalities, economic development organizations and workforce, higher education and private sector entities. Board members lead planning, stakeholder engagement and regional collaboration to improve the economic mobility, inclusivity and resilience of our region. They also help to build and manage the “Prosperity for All CEDS.”