The Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), in collaboration with other notable economic development leaders from Van Wert, Hardin, Putnam, and Hancock counties, has officially launched a new regional planning initiative: the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This five-county strategy will serve as a roadmap for economic growth, job creation, and investment across the region over the next five years.
What Is the CEDS?
CEDS is a federally supported planning process through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The purpose? The CEDS process will evaluate the region’s economic strengths, challenges, and opportunities. It will identify priority economic initiatives and help guide planning and funding from local, state, and federal sources, including the EDA.
AEDG President Cynthia Leis explains, “Economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To ensure the CEDS reflects the true needs and opportunities of our region, we need input from every corner of our county. Your ideas, concerns, and vision for the future are helpful to create a picture of what Allen County will look like.”
A Focus on Community
CEDS is designed to be locally based and regionally driven. That means the process starts with you, our local residents, corporate and business owners, public officials, educators, non-profit leaders, and other stakeholders.
The initiative will begin with interviews in each of the five counties, followed by focus groups and a formal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). All of the feedback that is received will be used to create our final strategy document, which is estimated to be released by the end of September 2025.
By joining forces across all five counties, our region is prepared to tackle shared development challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities with one another. A regional CEDS will improve access to funding, enhance collaboration, and establish a common unified vision that benefits every community involved.
How to Get Involved
This initiative is about building a stronger and more resilient future for those who live and work in our communities. It’s about ensuring our communities’ younger generations have career opportunities close to home, your business has access to the resources you need, and that our community can thrive in an evolving economy.
Allen County community members will have the opportunity to provide input on July 29, 2025, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. through a public meeting at the Cambridge Building (418 N. Central Ave., Lima, OH).
We need you to stay informed and participate in the process. Please contact the AEDG office at 419-222-7706 to participate in our public meeting, or visit our website to learn more about what we do.