Comprehensive Planning for Strategic Growth
Balancing economic development with responsible growth is critical to the Merrimack Valley. At MVPC, we readily embrace principles of smart growth and sustainability as key components to the future development and redevelopment of the region. We articulate our regional vision of promoting growth in areas best able to accommodate it while protecting the region’s most critical natural resources.
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).
CEDS
Developed in collaboration with leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, the CEDS outlines controlled, smart growth strategies for the entire region. It also provides critical support to MVPC’s Brownfields Assessment and Redevelopment Program and GIS-based economic development website, Merrimack Valley Means Business (MVMB.biz). In addition to producing the regional CEDS, the program consists of organizing regional CEDS meetings, public works grant assistance, information support through MVPCs regional demographic data center and economic impact model, and support for regional initiatives.
2011 Merrimack Valley CEDS Performance Report
The 2011 Merrimack Valley CEDS provides an update on economic development conditions, studies, and initiatives that have occurred in the region over the past three years.
2008 Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Created every five years, the CEDS is a comprehensive regional plan.
