Economic Development
The CWCOG’s Economic Development Program continues to be an integral part of the agency since 1994. Whether driven by member requests to integrate economic development into the CWCOG’s regional programs or partnership with the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the CWCOG provides a forum for agencies, both public and private, to discuss regional issues across numerous jurisdictional boundaries and to have meaningful conversations regarding the growth and economic health of the region. From these discussions, comes collaboration and action that help to improve the livability of our communities.
Economic Development District (EDD) Board
Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are the conduits through which the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) identifies local and regional priorities and applies funding. Established EDDs made up of private, public, and non-profit sector members create the forum for establishing a strategic blueprint of a regionally driven, economic development planning process; one that supports the attraction of new businesses, helps existing businesses thrive, promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides infrastructure improvements.
In November of 2018, the EDA approved the CWCOG’s request for a two-county EDD designation comprised of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, named the CWCOG as the District Organization, and the CWCOG Board of Directors as the administrative board for the EDD.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee is a subcommittee of the Economic Development District Board. The CEDS Committee is charged with assisting CWCOG staff with the creation, updates, revisions, and replacement of the five-year CEDS document. The Committee represents the main economic interests of the region and includes both private and public-sector representatives.