Agenda - 05-01-2012 - 5f - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ ..1- 3 ~tc~rth Cara[ina Tc~r»orrotnr A Collaborative for Sustainable Economic Growth ~~_~: K~_~.__~ ---.~..~:~- _ ~., EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The North Carolina Association of Regional Councils through a collaborative partnership with the US Department of Economic Development, North Carolina Department of Commerce- Community Development Division and the SAS Institute of Cary, NC to create a Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Statewide CEDS can serve as a"blueprint" for growth and development based on common- sense, sustainable best practices and "one version of the truth" provided by data collection and analysis from the SAS Institute. The SAS Institute is developing software specifically for the initiative, North Carolina Regional Economic Prosperity Strategy (REPS). REPS will be a"tool" for use by planning professionals, economic development professianals, elected officials and private industry developers. REPS will be housed atthe SAS Institute in Cary attheir World Headquarters in the Institute for State and Local Government that was established in zoio. EDA has provided funding to assistthe Association in developing a Statewide CEDS. The NC Division of Community Assistance has funded the initiative through the NC Catalyst Prograrn of the CDBG funds. They are providing planning grants to as many as 17 non-entitlement local governments serving as the lead regional coordinator within each of the 17 Council of Governments (COGs) regions. In exchange forthe grant, the non-entitlement local unit of government must foster regional multi-jurisdictional participation around the program goals and develop the regional NC Tomorrow Sustainable Strategic Plan that will build the foundation for the Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The Regional Councils will lead the effort to develop the Statewide CEDS that will center on the six livability principles established by the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities and the six Investment Principles set forth by the US Department of Economic Development. In addition, the Association will followthe National Association of Regional Development Organization's (NADO) Standards of Exceflence for CEDS development. The planning process will include all sectors of the economic development community including local, regional and state economic developers, planners, private industry, educational institutions, elected officials and many other community organizations that work on the ground to make North Carolina a great place to live, work and play. The Association and its partners aspire to develop a strong foundation for common sense development and growth that will createjobs for our citizens while conserving the natural resources that make North Carolina.the special place it has always been...a place where companies can thrive and grow their business and where families want to live.