This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (ceds) for the region served by the central arkansas planning development…

This $420,000 Economic Development Administration Project Grant supports the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Central Arkansas region by the Central Arkansas Planning & Development District, Inc. through December 2025.

Under the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Support for Planning Organizations program (CFDA 11.302), the awardee will create a CEDS process to engage public and private stakeholders in crafting an economic roadmap. The roadmap aims to diversify and strengthen the six-county region by bringing together strategies for business expansion and job creation. The program provides assistance to create regional economic development plans to guide community efforts. This award facilitates the Central Arkansas Planning & Development District's convening role in the CEDS planning process to benefit Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski, and Saline counties.

This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (ceds) for the region served by the central arkansas planning development district, which comprises the counties of faulkner, lonoke, monroe, prairie, pulaski, and saline. The ceds process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.