Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a plan that helps guide local economic development efforts. It is also required for a region to be eligible for certain federal grants. Goals in writing a CEDS include deciding on and prioritizing economic development initiatives and helping to plan for a vibrant and resilient economy. Humboldt County produces a new CEDS every five years.

Target of Opportunity

In the past, this document has focused on several “industry clusters.” Industry clusters are related by industry, geography, shared workforce needs, transportation issues, or other factors. Certain clusters named the “Targets of Opportunity” gained attention because they each fit a number of criteria including providing good jobs, sending exports outside the region, and producing growth over time.

The Targets of Opportunity were:

  1. Building and Systems Construction
  2. Diversified Health Care
  3. Investment Support Services
  4. Management and Innovation Services
  5. Niche Manufacturing
  6. Specialty Food, Flowers and Beverages

Read the Full Report for more information: 2009-2019 Targets of Opportunity - Humboldt County

Additional Industries

In addition to the six industries mentioned, two additional industries that did not fit all of the criteria were selected for additional focus: Tourism and Forest Products.

Focus

Previously the CEDS focused on identifying and taking advantage of strengths and opportunities related to the clusters, while addressing, as much as possible, weaknesses and threats. The 2018 CEDS process was initiated with a focus on these still-promising industry clusters. However, stakeholder and community input consistently revealed that the region’s most pressing economic issues and promising opportunities cut across industry clusters. These include enhancing our workforce, addressing transportation and infrastructure limitations and more. As a result of these findings, 2018 CEDS is organized around cross-industry themes and strategies.

  1. Scott

    Scott Adair

    Director of Economic Development

  2. Dianna

    Dianna Rios

    Economic Development Coordinator

  3. Tanner

    Tanner Etherton

    Economic Development Specialist

  4. Shay Duarte

    Shay Duarte

    Administrative Analyst

Comprehensive Development Strategy Document