2022 - 2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Emerald Coast Regional Council is pleased to present the 2022-2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) . The CEDS is a 5-year strategy to guide activity and investment to support economic growth in the ECRC region (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, and Bay counties), which is designated as an Economic Development District by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The CEDS is the result of a data-driven and participatory planning process that invites stakeholders to bring forward new project ideas and identify economic development ventures currently underway that merit ongoing community support. The CEDS is monitored annually to track implementation of the action plan and its outcomes

The current CEDS focuses on seven pillars - five of which originate from the Florida Chamber Foundation’s "Six Pillars of Florida's Future Economy" and two which were locally identified.

1. Talent Supply & Education
2. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
3. Infrastructure & Growth Leadership
4. Business Climate& Competitiveness
5. Civic & Governance Systems
6. Environmental Quality, Protection, and Resilience
7. Housing