Last week, MVPC officially launched the Merrimack Valley’s 2023 – 2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Elected officials, business leaders, municipal staff, and community organizations gathered at the UMass Lowell iHub in Haverhill to discuss the current state of the region’s economy and the vision for its future, guided by the CEDS. The event’s speakers—including State Senator Barry Finegold, State Representative Andy Vargas, Essex County Community Foundation Executive VP & COO Stratton Lloyd, and MVPC Executive Director Jerrard Whitten—spoke to the strengths of the MVPC region and how we can come together to work towards a brighter future for the Merrimack Valley.

The launch of the Merrimack Valley’s CEDS marks the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort led by a dedicated committee of over 40 economic development partners across the region. During 2022 and 2023, the CEDS Committee met monthly to learn about the current conditions of the Valley, identify its challenges and opportunities, and envision a path towards a more equitable and resilient economic future.

As part of the CEDS creation process, the committee identified five main themes that would serve as the pillars of the CEDS. These five pillars—Workforce Development & Industry Cultivation; Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs; Transportation & Mobility; Housing; and Vibrant, Resilient Communities & Destinations—were identified based on the significance of their collective impact on the region’s future success.

The five pillars served as a base for discussion and activity at the CEDS launch. Attendees had the opportunity to explore each of these pillars, share their insights, and provide suggestions for additional areas to focus on. Some of those insights and suggestions included increased access to childcare for workers, incorporating climate resilient practices when building new housing, supporting the small businesses that bring vibrancy to local downtowns, and advancing our transit system to allow anyone to get around with or without a car. As noted by many of the attendees, the success of each pillar is connected to the success of the others.

Over the course of the next five years, MVPC will be working closely with the CEDS Committee and other partners to support priority projects across the Merrimack Valley that will help realize the goals of the CEDS. As we look towards the future of the Merrimack Valley economy, the CEDS will serve as a crucial guiding document that speaks to the power of collaboration and strategic planning. To learn more about the CEDS and MVPC’s economic development work, visit our page on Regional Economic Development Strategies or read the 2023 – 2028 CEDS here.