The Merrimack Valley serves as an economic development district (EDD) for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. EDA is the main economic development agency of the federal government and works with EDDs throughout the country to promote regional cooperation and job growth. MVPC is the designated liaison between EDA and our constituent communities. MVPC receives an annual planning grant from EDA, which allows us to develop and manage the Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Developed in collaboration with leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, the CEDS includes actions to empower communities to create and retain jobs, stimulate growth, and increase innovation and entrepreneurship. The CEDS is a five-year document, but it is updated annually with statistics and other data that helps MVPC and its stakeholders plan accordingly.

In 2018, MVPC worked with stakeholders throughout the region to create the 2018-2023 MV CEDS – Embracing Resilience and Equity for a Prosperous Region. Over 100 stakeholders were engaged in developing this strategy and we are looking forward to continuing the partnerships that were developed and/or strengthened in the implementation stage. The MV CEDS was officially approved by EDA in September 2018.

In addition to producing the regional CEDS document, the program consists of:

• Organizing annual regional meetings;
• EDA and other economic development grant application assistance;
• Information support through MVPC’s regional demographic data center; and
• Support and technical assistance for regional economic development initiatives.

Please contact our Community and Economic Development Department with any questions.

Merrimack Valley CEDS Committee and Meetings

The Merrimack Valley CEDS Committee is responsible for guiding the development of our region’s CEDS Plan. Merrimack Valley CEDS Committee Members represent a variety of public and private interests throughout the region including: local government, high education institutions, banks, local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and state agencies. CEDS Committee meetings focus on identifying responsible parties for the implementation of shared goals and objectives. In addition, key economic development themes critical to enhancement of the regional economy are examined and collaborations on specific projects emerge.