Courtesy of the City of Centralia

About CLEDD

The Cowlitz-Lewis Economic Development District (CLEDD) was officially designated in July 1998 by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), cementing an interlocal agreement between the two counties to jointly conduct economic development planning activities. The Cowlitz and Lewis Economic Development Councils (EDC) are partners in the CLEDD as well. Through this designation and with funding from EDA, the CLEDD assists the region with planning the targeting of funds and investments in business and industry infrastructure as well as coordinating business development strategies and infrastructure planning.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) is the designated affiliate for the CLEDD and provides staff and resources to implement the CLEDD work. The CLEDD is also a partnership that includes the cities of Kelso, Longview, Castle Rock, Kalama, Woodland, Centralia, Chehalis, Morton, Mossyrock, Napavine, Packwood, Toledo and Winlock, and the ports of Chehalis, Centralia, Longview, Kalama and Woodland. The CLEDD assists the region's work force development agencies, Washington State University (WSU) Extension offices and chambers of commerce to promote economic development and community improvement.

The Futures GameThe CLEDD, through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee (CEDS), representing Cowlitz and Lewis counties develops the CEDS report. The report is reviewed annually to update projects and plans, review goals and objectives and update economic data.

Through the CWCOG, staff provides economic development in many different areas including data and information gathering, providing grant research and support, transportation and GIS.

Partnerships / Links

Cowlitz County, Lewis County, Cowlitz EDC, Lewis County EDC, Port of Centralia, Port of Chehalis, Port of Kalama, Port of Woodland, Port of Longview, Cowlitz Tribe, City of Castle Rock, City of Centralia, City of Chehalis, City of Kelso, City of Longview, City of Woodland, Napavine, Pe Ell, Cougar, Vader, Winlock, Toledo, Mossyrock, WSU Extension, Lower Columbia College, Centralia College, and the Cowlitz Small Business Development Center.

CLEDD Board

Coming Soon

Staff

  • Steve Harvey, CWCOG Director
  • Jennifer Keene, CWCOG CLEDD Assistant Planner
  • Jacob Macias, Economic Development Administration Washington Representative

CEDS Committees

Coming Soon

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