Our Services

The Centralina EDD provides strategic economic development planning, technical assistance for U.S. EDA grant funding, and maintains a data warehouse to support economic development in the Charlotte region.

Strategic Economic Development Planning

As the designated Economic Development District, it is the Centralina EDD’s responsibility to develop, maintain, and update the Charlotte region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). A CEDS is updated every five years, and must exist to retain status as an Economic Development District. This type of comprehensive strategic planning empowers elected officials and regional economic developers in their mission to grow the region.

View the 2023 - 2028 CEDS

U.S. EDA Technical Assistance

The U.S. EDA’s mission is to lead the Federal economic agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA helps communities leverage core assets, and can provide financial assistance for economic development projects that align with the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The Centralina Economic Development District serves as the region’s EDA liaison and point of contact. The Centralina EDD can assist communities in applying for competitive EDA grants, facilitating/administering EDA funds, and certifying that EDA-funded projects align with the CEDS.

EDA Funding Opportunities:

  • Public Works
  • Economic Adjustment Planning
  • Regional Innovation Strategies
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms
  • University Centers
  • Research and National Technical Assistance
  • Local Technical Assistance
  • Economic Development Integration

Please contact us for more information on EDA technical assistance and current funding opportunities!

Contact Us

Interactive Data Warehouse

Successful implementation of the CEDS in the 21st Century requires a local web-based repository of strategies, data, and other economic resources for all stakeholders and population of the region at large that are understandable, accessible, and actionable.

Our interactive data portal maintains an up-to-date repository of economic, transportation, workforce, and community information to empower local leaders and stakeholders in their decision-making processes.

View Our Data

U.S. EDA American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Programs:

  • Build Back Better Regional Challenge
  • Good Jobs Challenge
  • Economic Adjustment Assistance
  • Indigenous Communities
  • Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
  • Statewide Planning, Research and Networks

The U.S. EDA was allocated $3 billion dollars in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide.

In addition, Coal Communities Commitment, allocating $300 million of it $3 billion ARPA - $100 million in Build Back Better Regional challenge grants and $200 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants.

If you are interested in EDA funding, please reach out to CEDD@Centralina.org - We are happy to support your application!

Watch Hillary Sherman's presentation, the EDA American Rescue Plan: Investing In America’s Communities, which provides an overview of the six ARPA programs, in partnership with Centralina Regional Council, the Western Piedmont COG and Foothills Commission.

Watch Presentation