To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
The Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs by EDA focus on supporting eligible recipients in creating regional economic development plans and carrying out economic development projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance the economic prosperity and resilience of regions or areas. The grants support the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), to articulate and prioritize strategic economic goals. Specifically, the Planning program offers Partnership Planning grants to aid designated planning organizations and Indian Tribes in developing and implementing CEDS. It also provides support for short-term and state planning investments aimed at job creation and retention, especially in economically distressed regions. The Local Technical Assistance program aims to bolster the capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and others, to conduct economic development programs through projects like feasibility analyses and impact studies.