Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
West Central Initiative creates a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Region IV Economic Development District of Minnesota as part of our contract with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Municipalities and organizations use the five-year strategy to attract public and private investment to grow and strengthen our communities. Below is a draft of the 2027-2031 CEDS now available for public comment.
To draft the 2027-2031 CEDS, we sought a wide diversity of thought, experiences, backgrounds, and expertise. We engaged the public through a regional survey and four topic-specific focus groups. After the public comment period closes on November 25, 2026, we’ll incorporate public feedback and then share an updated draft with the West Central Initiative Board of Directors for approval. We’ll submit the board-approved CEDS to the EDA.
Connect with Us
Greg Wagner, AICP
Director of Business & Economic Development
Draft of the 2027-2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Economic Development District (EDD) Advisory Board
- Jackie Buboltz, Detroit Lakes City Council Member
- Jonathan Green, Wilkin County Commissioner
- Anthony Hicks, Mayor of Fergus Falls
- Jerry Johnson, Browns Valley City Council Member
- Paul Krabbenhoft, Clay County Commissioner
- Bill LaValley, Grant County Commissioner
- Patricia Lesmeister Nelson, Stevens County Commissioner
- Chad Metz, Traverse County Commissioner
- David Meyer, Becker County Commissioner
- Charlie Meyer, Douglas County Commissioner
- Emily Moore, Moorhead City Council Member
- Kurt Mortenson , Otter Tail County Commissioner
- Bobbie Osterberg, Mayor of Alexandria
- Paul Wildman, Pope County Commissioner
- Kevin Wohlers, Mayor of Morris
Submit Your Comments
Submit your comments be using the button below or email them to West Central Initiative’s Director of Business & Economic Development at greg@wcif.org.