Press Release: Southern Vermont CEDS Submitted to EDA: Building on Past Success to Improve Regional Resilience and Growth
Southern Vermont CEDS Submitted to EDA: Building on Past Success to Improve Regional Resilience and Growth
SOUTHERN VERMONT — Regional Entities within the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone have reached a significant milestone with the completion and submission of the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This federally-approved roadmap is a critical tool for strengthening the region’s economy and ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for communities in Bennington and Windham counties.
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The 2024 CEDS reflects a broad-based collaborative effort, engaging local stakeholders, municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits in identifying priorities and actionable strategies to address the region’s most pressing challenges. The plan outlines four key objectives: addressing critical population needs, empowering businesses for long-term success, fostering resilient communities, and promoting greater regional economic development through collaboration.
“Southern Vermont’s past CEDS efforts have helped to illuminate opportunities for growth and innovation that might otherwise have been overlooked. From supporting emerging industries to addressing our housing crisis, these plans create pathways to tackle the challenges facing our region,” said Adam Grinold, Executive Director of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC).
The strategy emphasizes critical outcomes, including population growth, workforce development, economic diversification, and enhanced climate resilience. These goals build upon lessons learned from previous CEDS iterations while addressing new and emerging challenges such as demographic shifts, climate impacts, and the need for stronger cross-community connections.
Since its creation, the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone has been a model for cooperation. The 2024 CEDS continues this tradition by integrating perspectives from all corners of the region. “Collaborative planning is not just a necessity in rural Southern Vermont—it’s our strength,” said Bill Colvin, Executive Director of the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC). “The CEDS process enables us to break down silos and work across boundaries to create a unified vision for the future. This approach has proven time and again that we can accomplish more together than we can alone.”
With the submission of the 2024 CEDS, the region is poised to take advantage of federal resources and new opportunities to strengthen its economic foundations. The plan provides towns, organizations, and businesses with a clear blueprint to advance their goals while contributing to regional progress.
As Southern Vermont looks ahead, the 2024 CEDS represents a commitment to resilience, innovation, and unity. By addressing shared challenges and leveraging regional assets, the CEDS positions the region for long-term prosperity and sustainability.
For more information about the 2024 Southern Vermont CEDS or to access the full report, visit https://www.sovermontzone.com/ceds
