Economic Development

WestCOG’s economic development planning efforts are performed primarily through the Western Connecticut Economic Development District.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) contributes to effective economic development in the region and its communities through a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process.

Western Connecticut Economic Development Plan: A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, 2017

Created in collaboration with the Region’s private sector and public input, this CEDS was prepared to meet State and federal planning requirements for economic development grants. It also serves as a refreshed regional data base for municipal marketing and economic development efforts. It was adopted by the COG Council on October 5, 2017. State approval was received on December 12, 2017. Federal approval was received on March 14, 2018.

Adopted CEDS
Appendix A: Data 
Appendix B: Public Participation 
2017 Annual Performance Report
2018 Annual Performance Report
2019 Annual Performance Report

Western Connecticut Economic Development District

The Western Connecticut Economic Development District (WCEDD) guides the implementation of the Western CT Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The group is a mix of public and private sector stakeholders and influencers in the region. The purpose of the WCEDD includes setting goals and strategies for the economic development of the District, as well as the identification of candidate projects of potential funding. All meetings are open to the public.