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1. Who is the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC)?

PNCC supports the Prosperity Network. The Prosperity Network is (among other things) utilized by the County to engage stakeholders in development of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) requires that a CEDS “strategy committee” be formed when creating a CEDS. For work related to the CEDS, the Prosperity Network Executive Committee (PNCC) serves as that Strategy Committee. 

2. Why has the County sponsored the creation of the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC)

1. The Prosperity Network does not fall under the purview of any single entity, individual or organization. It is a loosely formed fluid network of local stakeholders. However, since the County does support the Prosperity Network financially (through staff time, resources, materials, etc.) the County formed the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC) to give greater oversight over the use of public resources which are used to nourish the Prosperity Network.
2. EDA requires that a CEDS “strategy committee” be formed when creating a CEDS. For work related to the CEDS, the Prosperity Network Executive Committee (PNCC) serves as the County’s CEDS Strategy Committee.

3. How does the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC) support the Prosperity Network?

1. Supported by County staff, and led by a Chair and a Vice Chair, the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC) helps to support the Prosperity Network’s efforts and also works to ensure that the network remains active and vibrant. This is accomplished by;

                                                               i.      Planning Prosperity Network events and meetings.

                                                             ii.      Leading and facilitating Prosperity Network discussions, events, and initiatives.

                                                           iii.      Researching and procuring tools and other resources which benefit the network and its members.

                                                           iv.      Guiding, welcoming and encouraging new members via community engagement and ambassadorship.

                                                             v.      Encouraging and supporting existing members via outreach and retention.

                                                           vi.      Serving as a “voice” for the Prosperity Network to nonmember (out of network) persons and organizations.

4. How does the Prosperity Network CEDS Committee (PNCC) Supports the CEDS process?

1. Committee members learn about and become familiar with the existing CEDS and also the EDA’s CEDS process (through training and education provided for by the County).
2. Committee members serve as advocates and champions for the community’s CEDS efforts by;

                                                               i.      Talking to and educating stakeholders about the CEDS.

                                                             ii.      Encouraging and fostering community participation in the CEDS process.

                                                           iii.      Help to lead and facilitate Prosperity Network discussions, events, and initiatives designed to solicit CEDS feedback from the community. 

5. Why even do a CEDS?

1. An economic strategy is a key component in establishing and maintaining prosperity in our community, this is even more important considering the current economic crisis.
2. A CEDS will help to lay the ground work for plans and actions which will support Humboldt’s post COVID economic recovery.
3. Having a CEDS is a requirement for in order for our community (both county and cities) to qualify for certain EDA assistance and grant programs.

6. Why engage with community stakeholders?

1. The CEDS belongs to the community. Therefore, the CEDS strategies should be guided and informed by the community it is designed to benefit.
2. In some communities it is the same persons/agencies who set the tone for economic prosperity. Equity in matters concerning economic and community development is critical.
3. Stakeholder engagement is a requirement of the EDA when preparing a CEDS. 

7. Why did the County chose the Prosperity Network for stakeholder engagement?

1. The Prosperity Network is already a well-established network of community stakeholders who are passionate about Humboldt County’s social and economic prosperity.
2. The Prosperity Network was originally formed to help guide and inform the CEDS.
3. The County of Humboldt has historically leaned on the network as its primary platform to foster and guide community engagement in the CEDS process.
4. The Prosperity Network is fluid with some ongoing members and others who come in and out of conversations based on their interests, including business and industry leaders and community members who have valuable input for the CEDS.

8. Why be a stakeholder and participate in the Prosperity Network CEDS engagement process?

1. The Prosperity Network engages in discussions, activities and initiatives which are related to social, community and economic development. For the County, it is also the primary platform to foster and guide community engagement in the CEDS process. Participating in the CEDS is a way to be part of our community’s planning for the future.
2. The strategies and findings in the CEDS shape and influence government policy and services. Participating in the CEDS process is a way for residents and businesses to have a direct impact on those policies.
3. The strategies and findings in the CEDS shape and influence how government will spend revenues on economic and community development activities. Participating in the CEDS process is a way for residents and businesses to have a direct impact on how those funds are spent.